Part Two of Theophylline Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of theophylline?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking theophylline and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • seizures;
    • increased or irregular heartbeats; or
    • severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Other, less serious side effects may occur although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take theophylline and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;
    • restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or
    • headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect theophylline?

  • Theophylline interacts with many other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and other nonprescription items.
  • The following drugs may increase the level of theophylline in the blood, possibly leading to side effects:
    • alcohol;
    • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
    • fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin);
    • clarithromycin (Biaxin) and erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others);
    • disulfiram (Antabuse);
    • estrogens (Ogen, Premarin, and many other types);
    • fluvoxamine (Luvox);
    • methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex);
    • mexiletine (Mexitil) and propafenone (Rythmol);
    • rofecoxib (Vioxx);
    • propranolol (Inderal);
    • tacrine (Cognex);
    • ticlopidine (Ticlid); and
    • verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin).
  • The following drugs may decrease theophylline levels in the blood, possibly leading to loss of effectiveness of the medication:
    • aminoglutethimide (Cytadren);
    • carbamazepine (Tegretol);
    • isoproterenol (Isuprel);
    • moricizine (Ethmozine);
    • phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
    • phenytoin (Dilantin);
    • rifampin (Rifadin); and
    • sucralfate (Carafate).
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with theophylline or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about theophylline written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 5.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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