Theophylline and Anagrelide: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Anagrelide
Theophylline
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Increased theophylline serum concentrations and possible theophylline toxicity (nausea, vomiting, palpitations, seizures)
Interaction Deep Dive
Use caution when anagrelide is coadministered with theophylline. Anagrelide may potentially inhibit CYP1A2-mediated theophylline metabolism resulting in decreased clearance and higher plasma levels of theophylline1. Theophylline serum concentrations should be closely monitored and dosing adjustments may be necessary when anagrelide is used concurrently. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of possible theophylline toxicity (nausea, vomiting, palpitations, seizures).
Why it happens (mechanism)
Inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated theophylline metabolism
Common questions
Can I take Theophylline and Anagrelide together?
Increased theophylline serum concentrations and possible theophylline toxicity (nausea, vomiting, palpitations, seizures) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Theophylline and Anagrelide interaction?
It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Theophylline or Anagrelide need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (1)
- Product Information: AGRYLIN(R) oral capsules, anagrelide HCl oral capsules. Shire US Inc, Wayne, PA, 2009. DailyMed
Keep reading about Anagrelide
Keep reading about Theophylline
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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