Drug interactions
Interferon gamma 1b + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Interferon gamma 1b 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 interferon gamma may impair theophylline clearance. This could lead to theophylline accumulation and toxicity, although data for the gamma form are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Interferon gamma 1b 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-mediated downregulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP1A2, reduces theophylline clearance.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels and signs of toxicity when starting interferon gamma, and lower the theophylline dose if 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 Interferon gamma 1b with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Interferon gamma 1b 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 interferon gamma may impair theophylline clearance. This could lead to theophylline accumulation and toxicity, although data for the gamma form are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Interferon gamma 1b 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 theophylline levels and signs of toxicity when starting interferon gamma, and lower the theophylline dose if 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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