Drug interactions
Rufinamide + Theophylline
Severity: Minor
Rufinamide and Theophylline: minor 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
Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP3A4, and in theory could modestly lower theophylline concentrations. Theophylline is mainly cleared by CYP1A2, so the effect is likely small, but the narrow therapeutic range makes a loss of efficacy possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rufinamide and Theophylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Rufinamide belongs to Central Nervous System; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Weak induction of CYP3A4 by rufinamide may slightly increase the minor oxidative metabolism of theophylline.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; check theophylline levels if respiratory control worsens after rufinamide is started.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Rufinamide
- Carbamazepine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Rufinamide Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Esketamine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Rufinamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rufinamide with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Rufinamide and Theophylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP3A4, and in theory could modestly lower theophylline concentrations. Theophylline is mainly cleared by CYP1A2, so the effect is likely small, but the narrow therapeutic range makes a loss of efficacy possible.
How serious is the interaction between Rufinamide and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; check theophylline levels if respiratory control worsens after rufinamide is started.
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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