Drug interactions
Dichlorphenamide + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Dichlorphenamide and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Dichlorphenamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, causes potassium loss and metabolic acidosis, which may be additive with the potassium-lowering effect of theophylline. Hypokalemia and acidosis can increase the risk of arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dichlorphenamide and Theophylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dichlorphenamide belongs to Miscellaneous; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive hypokalemia from renal potassium wasting and beta-adrenergic shift, with carbonic anhydrase inhibition causing metabolic acidosis.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and bicarbonate, and correct abnormalities promptly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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References
- Dichlorphenamide - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Other interactions of Dichlorphenamide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dichlorphenamide with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dichlorphenamide and Theophylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Dichlorphenamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, causes potassium loss and metabolic acidosis, which may be additive with the potassium-lowering effect of theophylline. Hypokalemia and acidosis can increase the risk of arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Dichlorphenamide and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and bicarbonate, and correct abnormalities promptly.
What other medicines interact with Theophylline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Theophylline with, for example, Riociguat, Adenosine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Theophylline page.
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