Drug interactions
Metoclopramide + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Metoclopramide 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
Metoclopramide can speed gastric emptying and modestly increase theophylline absorption, which may raise peak concentrations. Theophylline's narrow therapeutic index means toxicity such as tachycardia, nausea and seizures is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoclopramide 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.
Metoclopramide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Accelerated gastric emptying increases the rate of theophylline absorption.
What to do
Monitor theophylline concentrations and signs of toxicity when starting or stopping metoclopramide, and adjust the 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Metoclopramide and Theophylline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Metoclopramide
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 Metoclopramide with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metoclopramide 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. Metoclopramide can speed gastric emptying and modestly increase theophylline absorption, which may raise peak concentrations. Theophylline's narrow therapeutic index means toxicity such as tachycardia, nausea and seizures is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Metoclopramide 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 concentrations and signs of toxicity when starting or stopping metoclopramide, and adjust the dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Metoclopramide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoclopramide with, for example, Amantadine, Amoxapine, Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol). The full list is on the Metoclopramide page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
