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Drug Interactions between apraclonidine ophthalmic and Cozaar

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

apraclonidine ophthalmic losartan

Applies to: apraclonidine ophthalmic and Cozaar (losartan)

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 such as hypotension and bradycardia. The possibility for an additive or potentiating effect on blood pressure and heart rate should be considered when used with other medications that affect these parameters, such as ophthalmic and systemic beta blockers, vasodilators, cardiac glycosides, and antihypertensive agents.

MANAGEMENT: Blood pressure and pulse rate should be monitored regularly when topical alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are prescribed in combination with cardiovascular drugs. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience slow pulse, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, or syncope.

References

  1. King MH, Richards DW (1990) "Near syncope and chest tightness after administration of apraclonidine before argon laser iridotomy." Am J Ophthalmol, 110, p. 308-9
  2. "Product Information. Iopidine (apraclonidine ophthalmic)." Alcon Laboratories Inc
  3. Nordlund JR, Pasquale LR, Robin AL, Rudikoff MT, Ordman J, Chen KS, Walt J (1995) "The cardiovascular, pulmonary, and ocular hypotensive effects of 0.2% brimonidine." Arch Ophthalmol, 113, p. 77-83
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Alphagan (brimonidine ophthalmic)." Allergan Inc
  5. Walters TR (1996) "Development and use of brimonidine in treating acute and chronic elevations of intraocular pressure: a review of safety, efficacy, dose response, and dosing studies." Surv Ophthalmol, 41 ( Suppl, s19-26
  6. Pekdemir M, Yanturali S, Karakus G (2005) "More than just an ocular solution." Emerg Med J, 22, p. 753-4
  7. (2013) "Product Information. Mirvaso (brimonidine topical)." Galderma Laboratories Inc
View all 7 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

losartan food

Applies to: Cozaar (losartan)

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium, especially salt substitutes, may increase the risk of hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, dehydration, or renal insufficiency have a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should receive dietary counseling and be advised to not use potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without consulting their physician. If salt substitutes are used concurrently, regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of hyperkalemia such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs.

MONITOR: Grapefruit juice may modestly decrease and delay the conversion of losartan to its active metabolite, E3174. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. The clinical significance is unknown. Moreover, pharmacokinetic alterations associated with interactions involving grapefruit juice are often subject to a high degree of interpatient variability.

MANAGEMENT: Patients who regularly consume grapefruits and grapefruit juice should be monitored for altered efficacy of losartan. Grapefruits and grapefruit juice should be avoided if an interaction is suspected. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Cozaar (losartan)." Merck & Co., Inc
  2. Zaidenstein R, Soback S, Gips M, Avni B, Dishi V, Weissgarten Y, Golik A, Scapa E (2001) "Effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of losartan and its active metabolite E3174 in healthy volunteers." Ther Drug Monit, 23, p. 369-73
  3. Ray K, Dorman S, Watson R (1999) "Severe hyperkalaemia due to the concomitant use of salt substitutes and ACE inhibitors in hypertension: a potentially life threatening interaction." J Hum Hypertens, 13, p. 717-20

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Moderate

apraclonidine ophthalmic food

Applies to: apraclonidine 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 with some CNS depressants and other agents that have these effects, particularly during initial dosing and/or parenteral administration.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving topical alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists in combination with agents that can cause CNS depression should be made aware of the potential for increased adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and confusion, and counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them. Patients should also avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and notify their physician if they experience orthostasis or tachycardia.

References

  1. "Product Information. Iopidine (apraclonidine ophthalmic)." Alcon Laboratories Inc
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Alphagan (brimonidine ophthalmic)." Allergan Inc
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  4. Pekdemir M, Yanturali S, Karakus G (2005) "More than just an ocular solution." Emerg Med J, 22, p. 753-4
  5. (2013) "Product Information. Mirvaso (brimonidine topical)." Galderma Laboratories Inc
View all 5 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.