Theophylline
Can you take supplements or medicines with Theophylline? Use this page to help frame questions about potential interactions.
Interactions
Supplement interactions on fileNo supplement in this library is recorded as interacting with this medication. Coverage is partial — 171 of 216 medications have interaction data, drawn from the 107 supplements written up so far. Absence here is incomplete coverage, not a safety claim.
- Trade names
- Theophylline (Theo-24)
Full write-up
What is it
Theophylline is a respiratory drug, also known by the brand name Theophylline (Theo-24). Its general clinical role is in respiratory care.
This page is an educational reference for considering whether supplements or other medicines may interact with Theophylline. It is intended to help frame questions, not to advise starting or stopping treatment. Anyone managing a medical condition can discuss potential interactions with a clinician.
What interacts with it
The most consequential interaction patterns involve changes in theophylline exposure or additive stimulation. Cigarette Smoking increases theophylline clearance by up to 50–100%, while sudden smoking cessation can allow toxic accumulation. Caffeine and caffeine-containing Green Tea Extract (EGCG) add methylxanthine stimulation, which may intensify tremor, vomiting, tachyarrhythmias, or seizures. Psyllium Husk may reduce theophylline absorption and its bronchodilatory effect. St. John's Wort can lower concentrations through enzyme induction, but abruptly stopping it may instead raise exposure and toxicity risk. These combinations warrant discussion with a prescriber or pharmacist, especially when smoking habits or supplement use changes.
Several supplements may alter theophylline metabolism through CYP1A2. Echinacea and Quercetin may inhibit this pathway, while Oregano Oil may also increase theophylline levels. CBD (Cannabidiol) may inhibit metabolism at higher doses or with certain formulations. Curcumin, Black Seed Oil, and Berberine raise mainly theoretical or uncertain concerns, and clinical relevance is not established here. Sodium Bicarbonate can reduce theophylline clearance through urine alkalinization. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, a pharmacist or prescriber can help determine whether monitoring or changes in administration timing are appropriate.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) may add to theophylline-related effects through additive PDE inhibition, including tachycardia, nervousness, and gastrointestinal upset. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) represents a different concern: theophylline treatment can lower pyridoxal-5-phosphate status, potentially worsening functional B6 deficiency and related neurologic adverse effects. No clearly beneficial combination is identified among these interactions.