Drug interactions between brimonidine/timolol ophthalmic and Unisom SleepMelts

diphenhydramine ↔ timolol

Applies to:Unisom SleepMelts (diphenhydramine) and brimonidine/timolol ophthalmic

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 may increase the systemic effects of topically administered timolol, which is metabolized by the isoenzyme. Following ocular administration, timolol is systemically absorbed and can reach plasma levels associated with adverse beta-adrenergic blocking effects such as bronchospasm, depression, bradycardia, and hypotension. The risk may be increased if clearance of the drug is significantly diminished by concomitant CYP450 2D6 inhibitors. In one case report, a 70-year-old man experienced dizziness secondary to sinus bradycardia after 12 weeks of treatment with a 0.5% timolol eye drop while also taking quinidine sulfate 500 mg three times a day. The symptoms subsided and sinus rhythm returned to normal a day after discontinuation of both drugs. However, symptoms returned within 30 hours after restarting both drugs a month later. Quinidine was discontinued, and the patient did not experience further problems. In a study of 13 healthy volunteers, extensive metabolizers of CYP450 2D6 administered quinidine (50 mg single oral dose) 30 minutes before 0.5% timolol eye drop (2 drops in each nostril) demonstrated significantly greater reductions in exercise heart rate and had higher plasma timolol concentrations than when given timolol alone. The changes resulted in values that were similar to those observed in poor metabolizers given the timolol eye drop without quinidine. In another study, 12 healthy volunteers given cimetidine (400 mg orally twice a day for 7 doses) and 0.5% timolol eye drop (0.05 mL in each eye 30 minutes after last dose of cimetidine) demonstrated additional reductions in resting heart rate and intraocular pressure relative to administration of the timolol eye drop alone, although there were no additional reductions of exercise heart rate or systolic blood pressure (at rest or after exercise) compared to timolol alone.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be monitored for systemic beta-adrenergic blocking effects of topical timolol during coadministration with CYP450 2D6 inhibitors such as cimetidine, quinidine, and certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Particular caution is warranted in elderly patients, since they are generally more susceptible to adverse effects of topically administered beta blockers.

diphenhydramine ↔ brimonidine

Applies to:Unisom SleepMelts (diphenhydramine) and brimonidine/timolol ophthalmic

MONITOR: Topically administered alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists such as apraclonidine and brimonidine are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. Although the interaction has not been specifically studied, the possibility of an additive or potentiating effect with central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, anxiolytics, sedatives, and anesthetics should be considered. Additive hypotensive effects and orthostasis may also occur, particularly during initial dosing and/or parenteral administration of the CNS agent.

MANAGEMENT: Patients prescribed apraclonidine or brimonidine ophthalmic solution with other agents that can cause CNS depression should be made aware of the possibility of additive CNS effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion) and counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them. Patients should also be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their doctor if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.