Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Theophylline
Severity: Minor
Hydrocortisone and Theophylline: minor 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
Corticosteroids have been reported to alter theophylline levels inconsistently, and no consistent clinically important change is shown. Both drugs can lower potassium, so additive hypokalemia and arrhythmia risk is a more relevant concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone 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.
Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Inconsistent effect on theophylline metabolism; additive hypokalemia from corticosteroid and beta-agonist or xanthine effects.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and theophylline concentrations during high-dose or prolonged hydrocortisone use.
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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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
Other interactions of Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrocortisone 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. Corticosteroids have been reported to alter theophylline levels inconsistently, and no consistent clinically important change is shown. Both drugs can lower potassium, so additive hypokalemia and arrhythmia risk is a more relevant concern.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone 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: Monitor serum potassium and theophylline concentrations during high-dose or prolonged hydrocortisone use.
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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