Drug interactions
Interferon alfa 2b + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Interferon alfa 2b 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
Interferon alfa can substantially reduce theophylline clearance, leading to higher serum concentrations and toxicity such as nausea, tachycardia, arrhythmias and seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon alfa 2b 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.
Interferon alfa 2b belongs to Anti Virals; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Interferon alfa suppresses hepatic CYP1A2 activity, decreasing theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Measure theophylline levels before and during interferon therapy and lower the theophylline dose as needed. Monitor closely for toxicity.
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 Interferon alfa 2b
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Interferon alfa 2b with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Interferon alfa 2b 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. Interferon alfa can substantially reduce theophylline clearance, leading to higher serum concentrations and toxicity such as nausea, tachycardia, arrhythmias and seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon alfa 2b 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: Measure theophylline levels before and during interferon therapy and lower the theophylline dose as needed. Monitor closely for toxicity.
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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