Drug interactions
Peginterferon alfa 2b + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Peginterferon alfa 2b 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
Alpha interferons can decrease theophylline clearance and increase its plasma levels. This may precipitate theophylline toxicity such as tachycardia, vomiting and seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Peginterferon alfa 2b 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.
Peginterferon alfa 2b belongs to Anti Virals; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Interferon alfa suppresses hepatic cytochrome P450 activity, including CYP1A2, though the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Check theophylline levels when starting or stopping peginterferon alfa-2b and adjust the theophylline dose accordingly. Watch for toxicity symptoms.
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 Peginterferon alfa 2b
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Peginterferon alfa 2b with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Peginterferon alfa 2b 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. Alpha interferons can decrease theophylline clearance and increase its plasma levels. This may precipitate theophylline toxicity such as tachycardia, vomiting and seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Peginterferon alfa 2b 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: Check theophylline levels when starting or stopping peginterferon alfa-2b and adjust the theophylline dose accordingly. Watch for toxicity symptoms.
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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