Drug interactions
Green tea + Theophylline
Severity: Minor
Green tea and Theophylline: minor 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
Green tea contains caffeine, a methylxanthine that adds to the stimulant and cardiac effects of theophylline. Large intake may cause tremor, insomnia, palpitations and nervousness, and caffeine can reduce theophylline clearance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Green tea and Theophylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Green tea belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive methylxanthine pharmacodynamics, with caffeine competing for CYP1A2 metabolism.
What to do
Advise patients to keep green tea and other caffeine intake modest and consistent. Monitor for stimulant adverse effects or check theophylline levels if intake changes markedly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Green tea
- Adenosine + Green tea Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Green tea Moderate
- Bortezomib + Green tea Moderate
- Dextroamphetamine + Green tea Moderate
- Diethylpropion + Green tea Moderate
- Ephedrine + Green tea Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Green tea with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Green tea and Theophylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Green tea contains caffeine, a methylxanthine that adds to the stimulant and cardiac effects of theophylline. Large intake may cause tremor, insomnia, palpitations and nervousness, and caffeine can reduce theophylline clearance.
How serious is the interaction between Green tea and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to keep green tea and other caffeine intake modest and consistent. Monitor for stimulant adverse effects or check theophylline levels if intake changes markedly.
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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