Evodia - Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, Theophylline Interaction
Herbal: Evodia
Drug: Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, Theophylline
Brand names:
Quadrinal, Mudrane

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, Theophylline is classified as belonging to the following category: Theophylline
Theoretically, evodia might decrease the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
The evodia constituent rutaecarpine decreases theophylline levels and half-life by about 70% in animal models. This constituent appears to induce hepatic cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme activity, of which theophylline is a substrate. Rutaecarpine is the primary active constituent of evodia; however, it is not known if the whole crude extract of evodia also causes this interaction.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Ueng YF, Tsai TH, Don MJ, et al. Alteration of the pharmacokinetics of theophylline by rutaecarpine, an alkaloid of the medicinal herb Evodia rutaecarpa, in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2005;57:227-32.
- Ueng YF, Jan WC, Lin LC, et al. The alkaloid rutaecarpine is a selective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 1A in mouse and human liver microsomes. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:349-53.
Interaction Details
Ephedrine, Phenobarbital, Potassium Iodide, Theophylline is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inducers
Theoretically, taking CYP3A4 inducers might decrease the levels and clinical effects of evodia.
Animal research shows that concomitant administration of dexamethasone, a known CYP3A4 inducer, with the alkaloid constituents of evodia significantly reduces the area under the curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), and half-life of these constituents.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Zhang W, Guo J, Wang D, et al. Effect of CYP3A inducer/inhibitor on pharmacokinetics of five alkaloids in Evodiae Fructus. Chem Biol Interact 2020;327:109146.
Evodia - More Interactions
Evodia interacts with 923 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.