Some doctors of natural medicine have noted a tendency for persons on theophylline to become deficient in these minerals. Therefore it may be necessary to supplement these minerals during theophylline therapy. Consult with a nutritionally oriented doctor to make this determination. Vitamin B6 Theophylline has been associated with depressed serum vitamin B6 levels in children with asthma 3 and adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . 5 Until more is known, some nutritionally oriented doctors believe that it makes sense for people taking this drug to accompany it with 10 mg of vitamin B6.
Piperine is a chemical found in black peppers.
A human study found that single doses of piperine could increase blood levels of theophylline. Such an elevation could lead to increased theophylline side effects hypothetically or for dose reductions without loss of drug efficacy. However, further study is required before such conclusions are made. People should not change their theophylline dose without consulting an herbally oriented physician. Tannin-containing herbs Herbs high in tannins can impair the absorption of theophylline.