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Smoking cessation and theophylline — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRespiratory TherapeuticsSmoking cessation and theophyllineGPhC CRA

A patient taking theophylline says they stopped smoking last week and is using nicotine patches. They asks whether the theophylline dose is unchanged. What is the most important interaction to flag?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Theophylline levels may rise after stopping smoking

Smoking induces theophylline metabolism; stopping can increase concentrations and toxicity risk. The prescriber should review dose and monitoring. In this scenario, the correct option is theophylline levels may rise after stopping smoking. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF; Stockley's Drug Interactions