Drug interactions
Indinavir + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Indinavir 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
Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4, a minor route of theophylline elimination, so the effect on theophylline is probably small. Ritonavir-boosted regimens may have more variable effects on theophylline, since ritonavir also induces CYP1A2.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indinavir 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
Inhibition of CYP3A4 by indinavir may modestly reduce theophylline clearance.
What to do
Monitor serum theophylline concentrations when starting or stopping indinavir and adjust the dose as needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Indinavir with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Indinavir 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. Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4, a minor route of theophylline elimination, so the effect on theophylline is probably small. Ritonavir-boosted regimens may have more variable effects on theophylline, since ritonavir also induces CYP1A2.
How serious is the interaction between Indinavir 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 serum theophylline concentrations when starting or stopping indinavir and adjust the dose as needed.
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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