Theophylline is used to treat lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (bronchitis, emphysema).It must be used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath.This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines. It works in the airways by relaxing muscles, opening breathing passages, and decreasing the lungs' response to irritants. A change in your diet, medicine, or dosage may be necessary. This medicine may add to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects of caffeine-containing foods or beverages such as chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee, and cola drinks. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information - In six healthy male volunteers (all smokers), serum concentrations of theophylline (administered as aminophylline 400 mg single oral dose) were significantly higher following consumption of caffeine (2 to 7 cups of instant coffee over 24 hours, equivalent to approximately 120 to 630 mg of caffeine) than after caffeine deprivation for 48 hours. Moderate Food Interaction Both smoking and excessive caffeine consumption can alter the blood levels of theophylline, which may affect the dosing.

Interaction between a vaccine and a drug has been reported only with influenza vaccine and four drugs (aminopyrine, phenytoin sodium, theophylline, and warfarin sodium), and with BCG vaccine and theophylline. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. In addition, caffeine is a stimulant and may add to the side effects of theophylline such as headache, insomnia, and increases in blood pressure and heart rate. This may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

Promptly consult your doctor or pharmacist.When theophylline is taken with food, it may either increase or decrease your blood level of this medicine. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Tobacco and marijuana smoke (including secondhand exposure) generally reduces, while caffeine increases, blood levels. Common foods and beverages containing caffeine include coffee, teas, colas and chocolate. Theophylline/Food Interaction Interactions. The interaction between erythromycin and theophylline is most likely to occur in patients receiving higher dosages of erythromycin and increases with the duration of therapy. You may need more frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline levels.The use of theophyllines is associated with an increase in heart rate which may progress to supraventricular tachycardia or ventricular arrhythmia at high serum drug concentrations. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs.
This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal (e.g., St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements. To minimize potential for interaction, you may interrupt the feeding for one hour before and one hour after the theophylline dose. Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 01, 2020Copyright © 2020 IBM Watson Health. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits, especially for the first few weeks after you begin using this medicine.

The study is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 31 people who take Amitriptyline hydrochloride and Theophylline from the FDA, and is updated regularly. Some of these interactions still are unconfirmed. Avoid drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.Things to remember when you fill your prescription.WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.


Many non-prescription drugs and diet aids may also contain caffeine. If you have questions about this, check with your doctor.

When theophylline is given with enteral (tube) feedings, blood levels may be decreased due to interference with its absorption. You should stop taking theophylline and seek medical attention if you experience potential signs and symptoms of excessive drug levels such as nausea, vomiting, persistent headache, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat. Other Interactions .