Drug interactions
Nilotinib + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Nilotinib 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval or cause arrhythmia, and nilotinib may modestly raise levels of some co-medications. Theophylline is mainly cleared through CYP1A2, so a metabolic effect is unlikely to be major.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nilotinib 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.
Nilotinib belongs to Oncology; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive arrhythmogenic effects, with possible weak enzyme inhibition by nilotinib.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range. Monitor theophylline levels and signs of toxicity.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nilotinib with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nilotinib 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval or cause arrhythmia, and nilotinib may modestly raise levels of some co-medications. Theophylline is mainly cleared through CYP1A2, so a metabolic effect is unlikely to be major.
How serious is the interaction between Nilotinib 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: Obtain a baseline ECG and keep potassium and magnesium within normal range. Monitor theophylline levels and signs of toxicity.
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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