Drug interactions
Propafenone + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Propafenone and Theophylline: moderate 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
Propafenone can raise theophylline concentrations, and toxicity with nausea, tremor, tachycardia and arrhythmia has been reported. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, the rise may matter clinically.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propafenone 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.
Propafenone belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Propafenone is thought to inhibit CYP1A2-mediated theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Measure theophylline levels when propafenone is started and reduce the theophylline dose as needed. Monitor for toxicity symptoms and ECG changes.
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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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 Propafenone
- Dofetilide + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Nirmatrelvir + Propafenone Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Propafenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propafenone with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Propafenone 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. Propafenone can raise theophylline concentrations, and toxicity with nausea, tremor, tachycardia and arrhythmia has been reported. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, the rise may matter clinically.
How serious is the interaction between Propafenone 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: Measure theophylline levels when propafenone is started and reduce the theophylline dose as needed. Monitor for toxicity symptoms and ECG changes.
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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