Beta-Blockers/Theophyllines
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.
Medical warning:
Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.
How the interaction occurs:
When these two medicines are taken together, your body may not process theophylline properly. Your beta-blocker may interfere with the benefits of theophylline.
What might happen:
The effects of your theophylline may decrease and cause breathing problems.
What you should do about this interaction:
If you experience problems with your breathing or other effects, contact your doctor. It may be necessary to adjust the dose of your medicine or change you to a different beta-blocker. Cigarette smoking may make this interaction worse.Your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of this drug interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
References:
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2.Mue S, Sasaki T, Shibahara S, Takahashi M, Ohmi T, Yamauchi K, Suzuki S, Hida W, Takishima T. Influence of metoprolol on hemodynamics and respiratory function in asthmatic patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm 1979 Aug;17(8):346-50.
3.Conrad KA, Nyman DW. Effects of metoprolol and propranolol on theophylline elimination. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1980 Oct;28(4):463-7.
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5.Miners JO, Wing LM, Lillywhite KJ, Robson RA. Selectivity and dose-dependency of the inhibitory effect of propranolol on theophylline metabolism in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1985 Sep;20(3):219-23.
6.Farrar KT, Dunn AM. Beta-blockers in treatment of theophylline overdose. Lancet 1985 Apr 27;1(8435):983.
7.Amin DN, Henry JA. Propranolol administration in theophylline overdose. Lancet 1985 Mar 2;1(8427):520-1.
8.Lombardi TP, Bertino JS Jr, Goldberg A, Middleton E Jr, Slaughter RL. The effects of a beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist and a beta- nonselective antagonist on theophylline clearance. J Clin Pharmacol 1987 Jul; 27(7):523-9.
9.Cerasa LA, Bertino JS Jr, Ludwig EA, Savliwala M, Middleton E Jr, Slaughter RL. Lack of effect of atenolol on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1988 Dec;26(6):800-2.
10.Corsi CM, Nafziger AN, Pieper JA, Bertino JS Jr. Lack of effect of atenolol and nadolol on the metabolism of theophylline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1990 Feb;29(2):265-8.
