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Theophylline : Interaction with Foods, Herbs, Alcohol and Caffeine


Are you taking Theophylline ? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Theophylline with certain foods, herbs or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Theophylline Interactions with Food and Herbs

High-fat meals: When theophylline is taken with a high-fat meal, which reduces the absorption of the medication, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache, and irritability (1 Trusted Source
Elgadir, M. A. (2019). Food-drug interaction and their clinical implications: Selected investigations.International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(3), 1-5.doi:10.22159/ijpps.2019v11i3.25930

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).

Tobacco: Using tobacco products like cigarettes along with theophylline may induce CYP1A2 metabolism.It may increase the serum concentration and cause toxicity (2 Trusted Source
Zevin S, Benowitz NL. Drug interactions with tobacco smoking. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1999 (36), 425-438.

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).

Theophylline Interactions with Alcohol

Interaction of theophylline with alcohol can lead to undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and irritability (3 Trusted Source
FDA. US Food and Drug Administration. Avoid food and drug interactions.

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).

Theophylline Interactions with Caffeine

Avoid taking theophylline with caffeine-containing products such as coffee and tea, as it may cause some side effects like excitability, nervousness, and rapid heartbeat (3 Trusted Source
FDA. US Food and Drug Administration. Avoid food and drug interactions.

Go to source
).

When and How to Take Theophylline

  • Theophylline is available only on prescription.
  • It comes as an extended-release tablet and as a capsule and solution.
  • Swallow the tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing, or breaking them.
  • Do not exceed or skip the dose. Even if you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for the missed dose (4 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Theophylline MedlinePlus Drug Information.

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    ).

References

1. Elgadir, M. A. (2019). Food-drug interaction and their clinical implications: Selected investigations. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(3), 1-5. doi:10.22159/ijpps.2019v11i3.25930
2. Zevin S, Benowitz NL. Drug interactions with tobacco smoking. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1999 (36): 425-438. Available From: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/tobacco/drug-interactions.pdf
3. FDA. US Food and Drug Administration. Avoid food and drug interactions. Retrieved on 9th June 2022 from: https://curehht.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Food_and_Drug_Interactions_FDA.pdf.
4. National Library of Medicine: Theophylline MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved on 9th June 2022 from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681006.html#

Drug Name : Theophylline

Theophylline is a bronchodilator, prescribed for asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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Theophylline for Medical Condition(s)