Drug interactions
Theophylline + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Theophylline and Vemurafenib: major 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
Vemurafenib is a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor and increases exposure to CYP1A2 substrates. Theophylline levels can rise, raising the risk of tachycardia, nausea, tremor and seizures. The legacy direction (decreased levels) is likely incorrect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Theophylline and Vemurafenib 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.
Theophylline belongs to Respiratory; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Vemurafenib inhibits CYP1A2, reducing theophylline clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; otherwise reduce the theophylline dose and monitor serum concentrations and toxicity signs.
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 Theophylline and Vemurafenib, 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 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Theophylline with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Theophylline and Vemurafenib 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. Vemurafenib is a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor and increases exposure to CYP1A2 substrates. Theophylline levels can rise, raising the risk of tachycardia, nausea, tremor and seizures. The legacy direction (decreased levels) is likely incorrect.
How serious is the interaction between Theophylline and Vemurafenib?
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 the combination if possible; otherwise reduce the theophylline dose and monitor serum concentrations and toxicity signs.
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.
