Drug interactions
Theophylline + Tobacco use
Severity: Moderate
Theophylline and Tobacco use: moderate 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
Tobacco use accelerates the elimination of theophylline, so smokers often need higher doses. When tobacco use stops, theophylline levels can rise and cause toxicity unless the dose is reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Theophylline and Tobacco use 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.
Why it happens
Aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke induce CYP1A2, the main enzyme metabolizing theophylline.
What to do
Dose according to tobacco status and measure serum theophylline levels. Reduce the dose and recheck levels when tobacco use stops.
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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Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Theophylline with Tobacco use?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Theophylline and Tobacco use 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. Tobacco use accelerates the elimination of theophylline, so smokers often need higher doses. When tobacco use stops, theophylline levels can rise and cause toxicity unless the dose is reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Theophylline and Tobacco use?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Dose according to tobacco status and measure serum theophylline levels. Reduce the dose and recheck levels when tobacco use stops.
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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