Drug interactions
Nevirapine + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Nevirapine 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
Nevirapine is an inducer of hepatic enzymes and may lower theophylline concentrations, reducing efficacy. Documentation of this specific interaction is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nevirapine 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.
Nevirapine belongs to Anti Virals; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4 and others) increases theophylline clearance.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels and clinical response after starting or stopping nevirapine and adjust the dose accordingly.
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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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 Nevirapine
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Nevirapine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Nevirapine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Nevirapine Major
- Amobarbital + Nevirapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nevirapine with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nevirapine 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. Nevirapine is an inducer of hepatic enzymes and may lower theophylline concentrations, reducing efficacy. Documentation of this specific interaction is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Nevirapine 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 and clinical response after starting or stopping nevirapine and adjust the dose accordingly.
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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