Drug interactions
Rifapentine + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Rifapentine 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
Rifapentine is an inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes and may increase theophylline clearance, lowering serum levels. Rifampicin has been shown to reduce theophylline concentrations, and rifapentine is expected to act similarly though more weakly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifapentine 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.
Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by rifapentine increases theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels and clinical response during and after rifapentine therapy, and adjust the dose as 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
- Priftin - 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 Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifapentine with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine is an inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes and may increase theophylline clearance, lowering serum levels. Rifampicin has been shown to reduce theophylline concentrations, and rifapentine is expected to act similarly though more weakly.
How serious is the interaction between Rifapentine 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 during and after rifapentine therapy, and adjust the dose as 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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