Drug interactions
Interferon alfa n3 + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Interferon alfa n3 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
Interferons can reduce hepatic drug metabolism and have been shown to raise theophylline concentrations. The risk of toxicity such as nausea, tremor, tachycardia and seizures is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon alfa n3 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
Interferon suppresses hepatic cytochrome P450 activity, notably CYP1A2, reducing theophylline clearance.
What to do
Measure theophylline levels before and during interferon therapy and reduce the dose if concentrations rise.
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 Interferon alfa n3 with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Interferon alfa n3 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. Interferons can reduce hepatic drug metabolism and have been shown to raise theophylline concentrations. The risk of toxicity such as nausea, tremor, tachycardia and seizures is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon alfa n3 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 reduce the dose if concentrations rise.
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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