Theophylline – Drug interactions

Certain drugs inhibit theophylline metabolism, thus increasing blood levels and cause toxicity:

  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Cimetidine
  • Erythromycin
  • Allopurinol
  • Oral contraceptives

Some others increase theophylline metabolism, decreasing blood levels:

  • Phenobarbitone
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampicin

Smoking and consumption of charcoal boiled meat also increase theophylline metabolism.