Drug interactions
Propranolol + Theophylline
Severity: Major
Propranolol and Theophylline: major 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
Propranolol, a nonselective beta blocker, can antagonize the bronchodilating effect of theophylline and may provoke bronchospasm in patients with airway disease. It also reduces theophylline clearance, raising levels and the risk of toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propranolol and Theophylline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 receptors plus inhibition of theophylline hepatic metabolism (CYP1A2).
What to do
Avoid nonselective beta blockers in patients with asthma or COPD on theophylline; if a beta blocker is essential, use a cardioselective agent and monitor theophylline levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Propranolol and Theophylline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Propranolol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Propranolol and Theophylline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Propranolol, a nonselective beta blocker, can antagonize the bronchodilating effect of theophylline and may provoke bronchospasm in patients with airway disease. It also reduces theophylline clearance, raising levels and the risk of toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Propranolol and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid nonselective beta blockers in patients with asthma or COPD on theophylline; if a beta blocker is essential, use a cardioselective agent and monitor theophylline levels.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
