Does Theophylline Interact with Allopurinol?
CDI records a moderate classification for Theophylline and Allopurinol. The stored summary is: Allopurinol at doses ≥600 mg/day decreases theophylline clearance, resulting in approximately 25% increase in serum concentration. The mechanism involves decreases theophylline clearance. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Theophylline Class
- Methylxanthine
- Allopurinol Class
- Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Decreases theophylline clearance
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Theophylline and your doctor is considering prescribing Allopurinol (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider