Drug interactions
Nadolol + Theophylline
Severity: Major
Nadolol and Theophylline: major 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
Nadolol is a nonselective beta blocker that can cause bronchospasm and oppose theophylline bronchodilation. It is renally cleared, so a metabolic interaction is less likely than with propranolol.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nadolol and Theophylline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Nadolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Nonselective beta-2 blockade directly antagonizes theophylline's bronchodilator effect.
What to do
Avoid nonselective beta blockers in patients with asthma or COPD who need theophylline. Choose another antihypertensive or a cardioselective agent if possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Nadolol
- Acebutolol + Nadolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Nadolol Major
- Albuterol + Nadolol Major
- Amifostine + Nadolol Major
- Amiodarone + Nadolol Major
- Arformoterol + Nadolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nadolol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nadolol and Theophylline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Nadolol is a nonselective beta blocker that can cause bronchospasm and oppose theophylline bronchodilation. It is renally cleared, so a metabolic interaction is less likely than with propranolol.
How serious is the interaction between Nadolol and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid nonselective beta blockers in patients with asthma or COPD who need theophylline. Choose another antihypertensive or a cardioselective agent if possible.
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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