Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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
Theophylline is cleared mainly by CYP1A2, and ethinyl estradiol inhibits this pathway, which can raise theophylline levels. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, toxicity such as tachycardia, nausea, tremor or seizures is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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.
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated theophylline metabolism by ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
Check theophylline serum concentrations when starting or stopping the contraceptive and lower the theophylline dose if levels rise or toxicity appears.
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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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. Theophylline is cleared mainly by CYP1A2, and ethinyl estradiol inhibits this pathway, which can raise theophylline levels. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, toxicity such as tachycardia, nausea, tremor or seizures is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 serum concentrations when starting or stopping the contraceptive and lower the theophylline dose if levels rise or toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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