Drug interactions
Labetalol + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Labetalol 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
Labetalol blocks beta-2 receptors and may antagonize theophylline bronchodilation, causing bronchospasm in susceptible patients. Reduced theophylline clearance is reported mainly with propranolol and other nonselective agents and is less clear with labetalol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Labetalol 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.
Labetalol belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Nonselective beta-receptor blockade opposes bronchodilation, with possible inhibition of theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Avoid labetalol in patients with significant reactive airway disease where possible. If used together, monitor lung function and theophylline levels.
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 Labetalol
- Amifostine + Labetalol Major
- Amiodarone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Labetalol Major
- Atenolol + Labetalol Major
- Betaxolol + Labetalol Major
- Bisoprolol + Labetalol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Labetalol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Labetalol 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. Labetalol blocks beta-2 receptors and may antagonize theophylline bronchodilation, causing bronchospasm in susceptible patients. Reduced theophylline clearance is reported mainly with propranolol and other nonselective agents and is less clear with labetalol.
How serious is the interaction between Labetalol 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: Avoid labetalol in patients with significant reactive airway disease where possible. If used together, monitor lung function and theophylline levels.
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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