Ciprofloxacin and Pentoxifylline interaction

Ciprofloxacin and Pentoxifylline: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.

Major

Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.

What the FDA labels say

From the Ciprofloxacin label · effective 2026-06-30

Major

Serious Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Theophylline Serious and fatal reactions have been reported in patients receiving concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin and theophylline.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor serum levels of theophylline and adjust dosage as appropriate [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )].

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Theophylline Avoid Use (Plasma Exposure Likely to be Increased and Prolonged) Concurrent administration of ciprofloxacin with theophylline may result in increased risk of a patient developing central nervous system (CNS) or other adverse reactions.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor serum levels of theophylline and adjust dosage as appropriate [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )].

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Interacting Drug Interaction Theophylline Serious and fatal reactions.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

From the Pentoxifylline label · effective 2026-05-15

Moderate

Concomitant administration of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (including e.g., ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine) may increase the exposure to pentoxifylline (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.

Open in the checker

Not medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.