Drug interactions
Disulfiram + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Disulfiram 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
Disulfiram can reduce theophylline clearance and raise serum levels. Theophylline toxicity, including arrhythmias and seizures, may follow.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disulfiram 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.
Why it happens
Disulfiram inhibits hepatic CYP-mediated theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Check theophylline concentrations after starting disulfiram and reduce the theophylline dose as needed. Monitor for nausea, tachycardia and tremor.
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
- Theophylline (Anhydrous) - 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Disulfiram with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Disulfiram 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. Disulfiram can reduce theophylline clearance and raise serum levels. Theophylline toxicity, including arrhythmias and seizures, may follow.
How serious is the interaction between Disulfiram 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: Check theophylline concentrations after starting disulfiram and reduce the theophylline dose as needed. Monitor for nausea, tachycardia and tremor.
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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