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Can you take Theophylline with Tramadol?

1 drug interaction and 58 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Major drug interactions

Major:

theophylline traMADol

Applies to: theophylline and tramadol

TraMADol may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as theophylline may increase that risk. You may be more susceptible if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. 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. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. 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

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

traMADol Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: tramadol

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with traMADol. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. You should also avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as this may increase the blood levels and effects of traMADol. If you are taking an extended-release formulation, the pill should be swallowed whole (i.E., do not crush, chew, or divide the pill). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not exceed the dose of traMADol prescribed for you or use the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

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

54 potential interactions Applies to: 42 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, GERD, Underactive Thyroid, and Heart Failure.

Alcoholism

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tramadol exposes patients and other users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing tramadol, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed tramadol, but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of tramadol, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and patients with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing tramadol. Strategies to reduce such risks include prescribing the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient about proper disposal of unused drug.

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

The CNS depressant effects of tramadol may be additive with those of alcohol and may lead to profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Therapy with tramadol should be administered cautiously (and only when alternative treatment options are inadequate) in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake. Dosages and durations should be limited to the minimum required and patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered; naloxone will reverse some, but not all, symptoms caused by overdosage with tramadol, but it also increases the risk of seizures.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Seizures have been reported in patients receiving tramadol within the recommended dosage range. The risk appears to increase with doses above the recommended range and with concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., those that reduce the seizure threshold). Risk of seizure may also increase in patients with epilepsy, those with a history of seizures, or in patients with a recognized risk for seizure (e.g., head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections). In tramadol overdose, naloxone administration may increase the risk of seizures.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tramadol should not be prescribed for patients who are suicidal or addiction-prone. The use of nonnarcotic analgesics should be considered for patients who are suicidal or depressed. Tramadol should be prescribed with caution for patients with history of misuse and/or are currently taking CNS-active drugs, antidepressant drugs, alcohol in excess, and patients who suffer from emotional disturbance or depression. Patients should be advised not to exceed the recommended dose and to limit their intake of alcohol.

Altered Consciousness

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

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.

Asphyxia

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Biliary Obstruction

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Tramadol may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may increase serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be monitored for worsening symptoms.

Brain Tumor

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Cachexia

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Cachexia.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Seizures have been reported in patients receiving tramadol within the recommended dosage range. The risk appears to increase with doses above the recommended range and with concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., those that reduce the seizure threshold). Risk of seizure may also increase in patients with epilepsy, those with a history of seizures, or in patients with a recognized risk for seizure (e.g., head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections). In tramadol overdose, naloxone administration may increase the risk of seizures.

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.

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Cor Pulmonale

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Cor Pulmonale.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

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.

Dehydration

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Tramadol may cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension, syncope) in ambulatory patients. Risk is increased in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by reduced blood volume or coadministration of certain CNS depressant drugs; these patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after starting or titrating tramadol. In patients with circulatory shock, tramadol may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure; tramadol should be avoided in patients with circulatory shock.

Depression

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Tramadol exposes patients and other users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing tramadol, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed tramadol, but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of tramadol, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and patients with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing tramadol. Strategies to reduce such risks include prescribing the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient about proper disposal of unused drug.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Tramadol should not be prescribed for patients who are suicidal or addiction-prone. The use of nonnarcotic analgesics should be considered for patients who are suicidal or depressed. Tramadol should be prescribed with caution for patients with history of misuse and/or are currently taking CNS-active drugs, antidepressant drugs, alcohol in excess, and patients who suffer from emotional disturbance or depression. Patients should be advised not to exceed the recommended dose and to limit their intake of alcohol.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Cases of tramadol-associated hypoglycemia have been reported, some resulting in hospitalization. In most cases, patients had predisposing risk factors (e.g., diabetes); caution is recommended in these patients. If hypoglycemia is suspected, blood glucose levels should be monitored and discontinuation of therapy should be considered as appropriate.

Drug Dependence

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Tramadol exposes patients and other users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing tramadol, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed tramadol, but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of tramadol, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and patients with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing tramadol. Strategies to reduce such risks include prescribing the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient about proper disposal of unused drug.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Seizures have been reported in patients receiving tramadol within the recommended dosage range. The risk appears to increase with doses above the recommended range and with concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., those that reduce the seizure threshold). Risk of seizure may also increase in patients with epilepsy, those with a history of seizures, or in patients with a recognized risk for seizure (e.g., head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections). In tramadol overdose, naloxone administration may increase the risk of seizures.

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.

Gallbladder Disease

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

Tramadol may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may increase serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be monitored for worsening symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Opioid analgesics are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

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.

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Head Injury.

Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. The use of tramadol should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

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

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

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.

Hypotension

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Tramadol may cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension, syncope) in ambulatory patients. Risk is increased in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by reduced blood volume or coadministration of certain CNS depressant drugs; these patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after starting or titrating tramadol. In patients with circulatory shock, tramadol may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure; tramadol should be avoided in patients with circulatory shock.

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.

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.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Tramadol is converted by the liver to several metabolites, one of which (referred to as M1) is pharmacologically active and a more potent analgesic than tramadol itself. The metabolism of both tramadol and M1 has been shown to decrease in patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver, resulting in increased exposure to tramadol as well as substantially prolonged elimination half-lives for both tramadol and M1. Therapy with tramadol should be administered cautiously in patients with liver dysfunction. In patients with severe liver dysfunction, dosage reduction is recommended with the immediate-release formulations, while the extended-release formulations should not be used.

Pancreatitis

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Tramadol may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may increase serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be monitored for worsening symptoms.

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.

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.

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.

Pseudotumor Cerebri

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Pseudotumor Cerebri.

Opioids may obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. The use of tramadol should be avoided in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Psychiatric Disorders

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Psychiatric Disorders.

Tramadol exposes patients and other users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Each patient's risk should be assessed before prescribing tramadol, and all patients should be monitored regularly for development of such behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression); the potential for such risks should not prevent proper pain management in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed tramadol, but use in such patients requires intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of tramadol, as well as intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse; prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose should be considered.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and patients with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. These risks should be considered when prescribing or dispensing tramadol. Strategies to reduce such risks include prescribing the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient about proper disposal of unused drug.

Psychosis

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Tramadol should not be prescribed for patients who are suicidal or addiction-prone. The use of nonnarcotic analgesics should be considered for patients who are suicidal or depressed. Tramadol should be prescribed with caution for patients with history of misuse and/or are currently taking CNS-active drugs, antidepressant drugs, alcohol in excess, and patients who suffer from emotional disturbance or depression. Patients should be advised not to exceed the recommended dose and to limit their intake of alcohol.

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.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Renal Dysfunction

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.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Tramadol and its metabolites, one of which (referred to as M1) is pharmacologically active and a more potent analgesic than tramadol itself, are primarily excreted in the urine. The rate and extent of excretion of both tramadol and M1 have been shown to decrease in patients with impaired renal function. Therapy with tramadol should be administered cautiously in such patients. In patients with CrCl less than 30 mL/min, dosage reduction is recommended with the immediate-release formulations, while the extended-release formulations should not be used.

Respiratory Arrest

Major:

tramadol

traMADol has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients with significant respiratory depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with tramadol. Patients should be monitored closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy and after a dosage increase.

The use of tramadol in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or without resuscitative equipment is contraindicated. Tramadol-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive (including apnea), even at recommended dosages of tramadol. In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), tramadol may reduce respiratory drive, and the resulting CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure; these patients should be monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, especially when starting tramadol.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients as they may have altered pharmacokinetics (or altered clearance) compared to younger, healthier patients. These patients should be monitored closely, especially when starting and titrating tramadol and when coadministering with other drugs that depress respiration; alternatively, the use of nonopioid analgesics should be considered.

Seizures

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.

Moderate:

tramadol

traMADol has a moderate potential interaction with Shock.

Tramadol may cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension, syncope) in ambulatory patients. Risk is increased in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by reduced blood volume or coadministration of certain CNS depressant drugs; these patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after starting or titrating tramadol. In patients with circulatory shock, tramadol may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure; tramadol should be avoided in patients with circulatory shock.

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

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

theophylline

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

tramadol

A total of 855 drugs are known to interact with tramadol.

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.