Drug interactions
Midazolam intranasal + Theophylline
Severity: Minor
Midazolam intranasal and Theophylline: minor 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
Theophylline is an adenosine antagonist and may reduce the sedative effect of midazolam, rather than increasing CNS depression. The effect may be unpredictable, leading to inadequate sedation and tempting dose escalation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Midazolam intranasal and Theophylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of benzodiazepine sedation via adenosine receptor blockade by theophylline.
What to do
Titrate midazolam to clinical effect and monitor sedation depth and respiratory status. Avoid giving repeated doses without reassessment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Midazolam intranasal 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 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 Midazolam intranasal with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Midazolam intranasal and Theophylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Theophylline is an adenosine antagonist and may reduce the sedative effect of midazolam, rather than increasing CNS depression. The effect may be unpredictable, leading to inadequate sedation and tempting dose escalation.
How serious is the interaction between Midazolam intranasal and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate midazolam to clinical effect and monitor sedation depth and respiratory status. Avoid giving repeated doses without reassessment.
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.
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.
