Which medications should not be taken with theophylline extended-release tablets?

Generally, theophylline sustained-release tablets are mainly used to relieve symptoms of bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, and other related diseases. They should not be taken concurrently with medications such as erythromycin enteric-coated tablets, clarithromycin sustained-release tablets, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, verapamil hydrochloride tablets, or diazepam tablets. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Erythromycin Enteric-Coated Tablets

Erythromycin enteric-coated tablets belong to the macrolide class of antibiotics. They inhibit the metabolic process of theophylline in the body, leading to elevated serum concentrations of theophylline. This may cause adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmia. In severe cases, seizures and coma may occur, which can endanger life. Therefore, these two medications should not be taken together.

2. Clarithromycin Sustained-Release Tablets

Clarithromycin sustained-release tablets are also macrolide antibiotics. When taken together with theophylline sustained-release tablets, they interfere with theophylline's metabolic pathways, causing theophylline accumulation in the body. This elevates theophylline blood concentrations beyond safe levels, increasing the risk of toxic side effects such as headache, insomnia, and tachycardia, which may harm the body.

3. Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets are quinolone antibiotics. They can inhibit the enzyme activity responsible for metabolizing theophylline in the liver, slowing theophylline metabolism. This prolongs theophylline retention time in the body and increases its concentration, potentially causing adverse effects such as restlessness, hypotension, and arrhythmia, which affect disease control and bodily safety.

4. Verapamil Hydrochloride Tablets

Verapamil hydrochloride tablets belong to calcium channel blockers. When taken with theophylline sustained-release tablets, they reduce the clearance rate of theophylline, increasing its serum concentration. This may intensify the stimulation of theophylline on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and dyspnea, which are detrimental to disease treatment and recovery.

5. Diazepam Tablets

Diazepam tablets are sedative-hypnotic drugs. Although diazepam does not directly affect theophylline metabolism, theophylline has a central nervous system-stimulating effect, while diazepam suppresses the central nervous system. Taking them together may result in antagonistic pharmacological effects. This could not only weaken the sedative effect of diazepam but also potentially cause dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating due to central nervous system dysfunction, affecting normal bodily functions.

During the use of theophylline sustained-release tablets, if other medications are required, it is important to inform the physician in advance about all currently used medications for evaluation of drug safety. Additionally, it is essential to monitor physical reactions closely. If any abnormalities or discomfort occur, prompt medical attention is necessary. Self-adjustment of medication or combination therapy should be avoided.