Drug interactions
Pentobarbital + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Pentobarbital 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
Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes and can lower theophylline concentrations, reducing its effectiveness. The effect can continue for some time after the barbiturate is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by pentobarbital increases theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels and clinical response and raise the dose if needed; reduce it again when the barbiturate is stopped.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pentobarbital with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pentobarbital 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. Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes and can lower theophylline concentrations, reducing its effectiveness. The effect can continue for some time after the barbiturate is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Pentobarbital 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 and raise the dose if needed; reduce it again when the barbiturate is stopped.
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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