Drug interactions
Methotrexate + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Methotrexate and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Methotrexate has been reported to reduce theophylline clearance, resulting in higher concentrations and possible toxicity. Evidence comes from limited reports.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methotrexate 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.
Methotrexate belongs to Oncology; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not established; possible decrease in theophylline hepatic clearance.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels when starting or stopping methotrexate, and reduce the theophylline dose if toxicity develops.
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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References
- Theophylline (Anhydrous) - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
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 Methotrexate
- Acitretin + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methotrexate Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Methotrexate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methotrexate with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methotrexate 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. Methotrexate has been reported to reduce theophylline clearance, resulting in higher concentrations and possible toxicity. Evidence comes from limited reports.
How serious is the interaction between Methotrexate 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 when starting or stopping methotrexate, and reduce the theophylline dose if toxicity develops.
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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