What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Adenosine and theophylline
Adenosine's FDA label of April 14, 2025 names theophylline in its drug interactions section, and theophylline's label names adenosine too. The adenosine label: “Use of methylxanthines is not recommended in patients who experience a seizure in association with adenosine Hypersensitivity. Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred.”
Check it at the source: the adenosine FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 14, 2025, Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc.); the theophylline FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 10, 2026, Strides Pharma Science Limited).
What does the adenosine label say about theophylline?
Adenosine label, drug interactionsDrugs on Adenosine The vasoactive effects of adenosine are inhibited by adenosine receptor antagonists, (such as methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline, and theophylline).
Adenosine label, warnings and precautionsUse of methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, aminophylline and theophylline) is not recommended in patients who experience a seizure in association with adenosine ( 5.6 ) Hypersensitivity. Dyspnea, throat tightness, flushing, erythema, rash, and chest discomfort have occurred.
Source: FDA drug label (Adenosine), Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective April 14, 2025 (SPL set b6851256-6cef-4f23-8129-19bb64380cd5), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the theophylline label say about adenosine?
Theophylline label, drug interactionsHigher doses of adenosine may be required to achieve desired effect.
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
| Adenosine | Theophylline | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | n/a | Asthma |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $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