What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Pentoxifylline and theophylline
Pentoxifylline's FDA label of May 15, 2026 names theophylline in its contraindications section, and theophylline's label names pentoxifylline too. The theophylline label: “Pentoxifylline Decreases theophylline clearance.”
Check it at the source: the pentoxifylline FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 15, 2026, Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc.); the theophylline FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 10, 2026, Strides Pharma Science Limited).
What does the pentoxifylline label say about theophylline?
Pentoxifylline label, contraindicationsCONTRAINDICATIONS Pentoxifylline extended-release tablets should not be used in patients with recent cerebral and/or retinal hemorrhage or in patients who have previously exhibited intolerance to this product or methylxanthines such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.
Pentoxifylline label, drug interactionsConcomitant administration of pentoxifylline extended-release tablets and theophylline-containing drugs leads to increased theophylline levels and theophylline toxicity in some individuals.
Source: FDA drug label (Pentoxifylline), Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc., effective May 15, 2026 (SPL set cd840a2c-2a0e-4b2b-84ff-a0406bb6fa37), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the theophylline label say about pentoxifylline?
Theophylline label, drug interactionsPentoxifylline Decreases theophylline clearance.
Source: FDA drug label (Theophylline), Strides Pharma Science Limited, effective March 10, 2026 (SPL set b7a90ccf-9c32-40cc-9008-7e55b3da4dfd), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Pentoxifylline | Theophylline | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | n/a | Asthma |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.227 per tablet 400 mg tablet | $0.330 per tablet 300 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once