Drug interactions
Rifabutin + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Rifabutin 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
Rifabutin may lower theophylline exposure through enzyme induction, risking loss of bronchodilator control. The effect is weaker than with rifampicin and is mainly described for related rifamycins.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifabutin 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.
Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces hepatic CYP enzymes (including CYP1A2 and CYP3A4) that metabolize theophylline.
What to do
Monitor serum theophylline concentrations and clinical response when starting or stopping rifabutin, and increase the theophylline dose if needed.
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 Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Axitinib + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifabutin with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifabutin 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. Rifabutin may lower theophylline exposure through enzyme induction, risking loss of bronchodilator control. The effect is weaker than with rifampicin and is mainly described for related rifamycins.
How serious is the interaction between Rifabutin 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 serum theophylline concentrations and clinical response when starting or stopping rifabutin, and increase the theophylline dose if needed.
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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