Drug interactions
Esmolol + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Esmolol and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Beta blockers can oppose the bronchodilating effect of theophylline, and esmolol is cardioselective and short acting, so the effect is smaller than with nonselective agents. Reduced theophylline clearance is described mainly with nonselective beta blockers. Bronchospasm may occur in patients with reactive airway disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esmolol 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.
Esmolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 receptors, with possible modest inhibition of theophylline hepatic metabolism by some beta blockers.
What to do
Monitor respiratory status and theophylline concentrations if both are used. Keep the esmolol infusion at the lowest effective rate in patients with asthma or COPD.
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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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 Esmolol
- Acebutolol + Esmolol Major
- Amifostine + Esmolol Major
- Amiodarone + Esmolol Major
- Celiprolol + Esmolol Major
- Diltiazem + Esmolol Major
- Epinephrine racemic + Esmolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esmolol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esmolol 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. Beta blockers can oppose the bronchodilating effect of theophylline, and esmolol is cardioselective and short acting, so the effect is smaller than with nonselective agents. Reduced theophylline clearance is described mainly with nonselective beta blockers. Bronchospasm may occur in patients with reactive airway disease.
How serious is the interaction between Esmolol 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 respiratory status and theophylline concentrations if both are used. Keep the esmolol infusion at the lowest effective rate in patients with asthma or COPD.
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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