Drug interactions
Metoprolol + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Metoprolol 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
Metoprolol is beta-1 selective and has a smaller effect on theophylline than nonselective beta blockers, but at higher doses it may lose selectivity and cause bronchospasm. It may modestly reduce theophylline clearance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoprolol 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.
Metoprolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 receptors at higher doses, with possible slight inhibition of theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective metoprolol dose and monitor respiratory symptoms 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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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 Metoprolol
- Metoprolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Metoprolol Major
- Amiodarone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Metoprolol Major
- Betaxolol + Metoprolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metoprolol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metoprolol 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. Metoprolol is beta-1 selective and has a smaller effect on theophylline than nonselective beta blockers, but at higher doses it may lose selectivity and cause bronchospasm. It may modestly reduce theophylline clearance.
How serious is the interaction between Metoprolol 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: Use the lowest effective metoprolol dose and monitor respiratory symptoms 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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