Skip to main content

Can you take Interferon alfa-n3 with Theophylline?

1 drug interaction and 40 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

theophylline interferon alfa-n3

Applies to: theophylline and interferon alfa-n3

Treatment with medications like interferon alfa-n3 may increase the blood levels of theophylline, which can lead to potentially serious and life-threatening side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, tremor, confusion, restlessness, insomnia, seizures, heart palpitations, and/or irregular heartbeat, as these may be signs and symptoms of excessive theophylline levels. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

theophylline Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: theophylline

Both smoking and excessive caffeine consumption can alter the blood levels of theophylline, which may affect the dosing. Tobacco and marijuana smoke (including secondhand exposure) generally reduces, while caffeine increases, blood levels. 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. It is best to avoid smoking and to limit caffeine consumption during theophylline therapy. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. If you start smoking or undergo smoking cessation, your doctor may need to monitor your blood levels more closely to determine if you need a dose adjustment of theophylline. 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. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

When theophylline is given with enteral (tube) feedings, blood levels may be decreased due to interference with its absorption. This may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. To minimize potential for interaction, you may interrupt the feeding for one hour before and one hour after the theophylline dose. You may need more frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline levels.

Moderate:

theophylline Caffeine

Applies to: theophylline

Ask your doctor before using theophylline together with caffeine. Using these medications together may increase some of the side effects of theophylline. This can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, uneven heartbeats, and seizure (convulsions). Avoid drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. You may need a dose adjustment or special test if you use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

theophylline Nicotine

Applies to: theophylline

As you stop smoking during treatment with nicotine, your dosage requirement of theophylline may need to be changed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

37 potential interactions Applies to: 31 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, GERD, Underactive Thyroid, and Heart Failure.

Angina

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Angina.

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. Appearance of cardiac adverse effects is generally an indication of theophylline toxicity, although patients with a history of tachyarrhythmias may be more susceptible to the chronotropic effect of these drugs. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Caution is also advised in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction, since high dosages of the drugs are associated with positive inotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Clinical monitoring of serum drug concentrations is recommended to prevent toxicity.

Arrhythmia

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Autoimmune Disorders

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Autoimmune Disorders.

Antiviral interferons may exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as myositis, thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or autoimmune hepatitis. Therapy should be avoided or administered with extreme caution in patients with autoimmune disorders.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Moderate:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Interferons (alfa and gamma) induce a dose-dependent, generally mild, myelosuppression. Leukopenia is the primary manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less frequently. Therapy with interferons (alfa and gamma) should be administered cautiously to patients with bone marrow suppression. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.

Cerebral Vascular Disorder

Major:

theophylline

Theophylline has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The use of theophyllines is considered by some manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with underlying seizure disorders unless they are receiving adequate anticonvulsant therapy. Theophyllines may cause seizures, which have generally been associated with toxic drug levels but have also been reported at therapeutic concentrations in patients with head trauma or cerebral infarct. If theophylline therapy is administered in patients with these or other risk factors for seizures, serum drug levels should be monitored closely and maintained in the low therapeutic range. Intractable seizures and death have been reported during acute theophylline toxicity.

Cor Pulmonale

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Cor Pulmonale.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Depression

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Interferons (alfa or beta) can induce depression and suicidal behavior. Suicidal attempts and suicides have been reported. Therapy with interferons (alfa or beta) should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to mental depression. Clinical monitoring of psychological status is recommended.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Flu-like symptoms frequently associated with interferon-alfa therapy can precipitate ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical monitoring of blood glucose concentrations and anti-diabetic therapy is recommended.

Fever

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Fever.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

GERD

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with GERD.

Methylxanthines increase gastric acidity and may also relax lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to gastric reflux into the esophagus. Therapy with products containing methylxanthines should be administered cautiously in patients with significant gastroesophageal reflux.

Head Injury

Major:

theophylline

Theophylline has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

The use of theophyllines is considered by some manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with underlying seizure disorders unless they are receiving adequate anticonvulsant therapy. Theophyllines may cause seizures, which have generally been associated with toxic drug levels but have also been reported at therapeutic concentrations in patients with head trauma or cerebral infarct. If theophylline therapy is administered in patients with these or other risk factors for seizures, serum drug levels should be monitored closely and maintained in the low therapeutic range. Intractable seizures and death have been reported during acute theophylline toxicity.

Heart Attack

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Attack.

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. Appearance of cardiac adverse effects is generally an indication of theophylline toxicity, although patients with a history of tachyarrhythmias may be more susceptible to the chronotropic effect of these drugs. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Caution is also advised in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction, since high dosages of the drugs are associated with positive inotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Clinical monitoring of serum drug concentrations is recommended to prevent toxicity.

Heart Failure

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Hemodialysis

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Theophylline is removed by hemodialysis. Doses should either be scheduled for administration after dialysis or supplemental doses be given after dialysis.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

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. Appearance of cardiac adverse effects is generally an indication of theophylline toxicity, although patients with a history of tachyarrhythmias may be more susceptible to the chronotropic effect of these drugs. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Caution is also advised in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction, since high dosages of the drugs are associated with positive inotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Clinical monitoring of serum drug concentrations is recommended to prevent toxicity.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

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. Appearance of cardiac adverse effects is generally an indication of theophylline toxicity, although patients with a history of tachyarrhythmias may be more susceptible to the chronotropic effect of these drugs. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Caution is also advised in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction, since high dosages of the drugs are associated with positive inotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Clinical monitoring of serum drug concentrations is recommended to prevent toxicity.

Influenza

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Influenza.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.

Liver Disease

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Hepatotoxicity, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients treated with interferon alpha. Additionally, the risk of hepatic decompensation and death is increased in patients with cirrhosis. Any patient developing liver function abnormalities during treatment should be monitored closely and treatment should be discontinued if appropriate. Interferon-alfa is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and decompensated liver disease.

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Panhypopituitarism

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Panhypopituitarism.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Parkinsonism

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.

Peptic Ulcer

Major:

theophylline

Theophylline has a major potential interaction with Peptic Ulcer.

Methylxanthines are known to stimulate peptic acid secretion. Therapy with products containing methylxanthines should be administered with extreme caution in patients with active peptic ulcer disease. Some manufacturers consider their use to be contraindicated under such circumstance.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Moderate:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Paresthesia and numbness have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to peripheral neuropathy.

Post MI Syndrome

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Post MI Syndrome.

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. Appearance of cardiac adverse effects is generally an indication of theophylline toxicity, although patients with a history of tachyarrhythmias may be more susceptible to the chronotropic effect of these drugs. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Caution is also advised in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction, since high dosages of the drugs are associated with positive inotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Clinical monitoring of serum drug concentrations is recommended to prevent toxicity.

Psychosis

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.

Pulmonary Edema

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Edema.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Proteinuria (rare), not associated with a decrease in serum protein, is the most common renal toxicity observed with interferon- alfa therapy. Increased BUN and serum creatinine levels, hematuria, acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome have also been reported. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously to patients with severe renal dysfunction. Renal function should be evaluated in all patients before initiation of interferon- alfa therapy. In addition, patients with any degree of renal impairment should be carefully monitored for laboratory abnormalities and decreased creatinine clearance. A reduced dose of medication is recommended in patients with low CrCl (less than 50 mL/min - 30 mL/min).

Major:

theophylline

Theophylline has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The metabolites of theophylline, which are generally undetectable in patients with normal renal function, may accumulate in patients with renal impairment and contribute to the toxicity of theophylline. In addition, the plasma protein binding of theophylline may be significantly decreased in renal impairment, resulting in elevated free drug concentrations and further increasing the risk of toxicity. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal function. Dosage adjustments and more intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required.

Seizures

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.

Major:

theophylline

Theophylline has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

The use of theophyllines is considered by some manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with underlying seizure disorders unless they are receiving adequate anticonvulsant therapy. Theophyllines may cause seizures, which have generally been associated with toxic drug levels but have also been reported at therapeutic concentrations in patients with head trauma or cerebral infarct. If theophylline therapy is administered in patients with these or other risk factors for seizures, serum drug levels should be monitored closely and maintained in the low therapeutic range. Intractable seizures and death have been reported during acute theophylline toxicity.

Shock

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Shock.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

Tachyarrhythmia

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

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. Appearance of cardiac adverse effects is generally an indication of theophylline toxicity, although patients with a history of tachyarrhythmias may be more susceptible to the chronotropic effect of these drugs. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Caution is also advised in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction, since high dosages of the drugs are associated with positive inotropic as well as chronotropic effects. Clinical monitoring of serum drug concentrations is recommended to prevent toxicity.

Underactive Thyroid

Major:

interferon alfa-n3

Interferon alfa-n3 has a major potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.

Moderate:

theophylline

Theophylline has a moderate potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.

Certain conditions have been identified as causes of reduced theophylline clearance. They include age (neonates and infants < 1 year as well as elderly patients > 60 years) and the following concurrent diseases: acute pulmonary edema; decompensated heart failure; cor pulmonale; fever (>= 102 degrees for 24 hours or more, or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods); influenza; untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism; liver disease, cirrhosis or acute hepatitis; reduced renal function in infants < 3 months of age; sepsis with multi-organ failure; and shock. Therapy with theophyllines should be administered cautiously in patients presenting with one or more of these risk factors, and the dosage should be appropriately reduced to prevent toxicity. More intensive monitoring of serum theophylline concentrations may be required. Toxicity is most likely to occur when levels exceed 20 mcg/mL. Severe cases, sometimes without previous warning, have led to cardiac arrhythmias, intractable seizures, and death.

More resources

interferon alfa-n3

A total of 53 drugs are known to interact with interferon alfa-n3.

theophylline

A total of 335 drugs are known to interact with theophylline.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.