Can you take Combigan with Rasagiline?
3 drug interactions and 24 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Combigan (brimonidine/timolol ophthalmic)
- rasagiline
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
timolol ophthalmic brimonidine ophthalmic
Applies to: Combigan (brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic) and Combigan (brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic)
After using brimonidine ophthalmic, some of the medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream and occasionally produce cardiovascular side effects such as decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. Combining it with timolol ophthalmic or other medications that can also have these effects may increase the risk. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart beat. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Moderate:
timolol ophthalmic rasagiline
Applies to: Combigan (brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic) and rasagiline
Rasagiline may increase the effects of timolol ophthalmic on your blood pressure and heart rate. Contact your doctor if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, a slow pulse or heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and/or swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Moderate:
brimonidine ophthalmic rasagiline
Applies to: Combigan (brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic) and rasagiline
After using brimonidine ophthalmic, some of the medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream and occasionally produce central nervous system and cardiovascular side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. Combining it with rasagiline or other medications that can also have these effects may increase the risk. Side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
rasagiline Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: rasagiline
Rasagiline may be taken with or without food. There is no need to avoid most foods and beverages during treatment with rasagiline, as long as you are not receiving more than 1 mg per day of the medication. However, certain foods such as some of the aged cheeses (for example, Boursault, Liederkrantz, Mycella, and Stilton) may contain very high amounts of tyramine and should generally be avoided if possible. Consumption of very high levels of tyramine (greater than 150 mg) while on rasagiline treatment may lead to dangerous increases in your blood pressure, a condition known as hypertensive crisis. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about what foods, if any, to avoid. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden and severe headache, blurred vision, confusion, seizures, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), speech difficulties, fever, sweating, lightheadedness, and/or fainting during treatment with rasagiline, as these may be signs and symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs, since some medications may increase the blood levels of rasagiline and possibly lead to interactions with tyramine-rich foods. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
23 potential interactions Applies to: 19 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Allergies, Heart Failure, and Asthma.
Allergies
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Allergies.
Topically applied beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. The use of beta-blockers in patients with a history of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis may be associated with heightened reactivity to culprit allergens. The frequency and/or severity of attacks may be increased during beta-blocker therapy. In addition, these patients may be refractory to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat acute hypersensitivity reactions and may require a beta-agonist such as isoproterenol.
Asthma
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Asthma.
Ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in general should not be used in patients with a current or past history of bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. In the respiratory tract, beta blockade may adversely affect pulmonary function by counteracting the bronchodilation produced by catecholamine stimulation of beta-2 receptors. Although agents with beta-1 selectivity (e.g., betaxolol) are considered safer in patients with bronchospastic diseases, cardioselectivity is not absolute and may be lost with larger doses or higher plasma levels.
Cardiogenic Shock
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.
The use of ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock. Topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. In cardiac tissues, beta blockade causes a reduction in inotropic as well as chronotropic activity, which may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure in such patients.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Moderate:
Combigan
The brimonidine ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Topically applied alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. In the central nervous system, alpha adrenergic stimulation causes an inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor centers, resulting in decreased peripheral resistance and bradycardia. While the commercially available agents in the U.S. (apraclonidine and brimonidine) are hydrophilic and do not readily distribute across the ocular-blood barrier into the CNS, prolonged use may increase the risk of systemic effects. There have been occasional reports of bradycardia, chest heaviness or burning, palpitation, reduced blood pressure, and orthostatic hypotension when apraclonidine 1% was administered once or twice a day for 4 weeks to individuals not undergoing laser surgery. Therapy with ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, Raynaud's disease, thromboangiitis obliterans, and a predisposition for orthostatic hypotension.
Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.
Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) reduce cardiac output and may precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, carteolol) may attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Since topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed and may produce clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels, therapy with ophthalmic beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.
Moderate:
Combigan
The brimonidine ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.
Topically applied alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. In the central nervous system, alpha adrenergic stimulation causes an inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor centers, resulting in decreased peripheral resistance and bradycardia. While the commercially available agents in the U.S. (apraclonidine and brimonidine) are hydrophilic and do not readily distribute across the ocular-blood barrier into the CNS, prolonged use may increase the risk of systemic effects. There have been occasional reports of bradycardia, chest heaviness or burning, palpitation, reduced blood pressure, and orthostatic hypotension when apraclonidine 1% was administered once or twice a day for 4 weeks to individuals not undergoing laser surgery. Therapy with ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, Raynaud's disease, thromboangiitis obliterans, and a predisposition for orthostatic hypotension.
COPD
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with COPD.
Ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in general should not be used in patients with a current or past history of bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. In the respiratory tract, beta blockade may adversely affect pulmonary function by counteracting the bronchodilation produced by catecholamine stimulation of beta-2 receptors. Although agents with beta-1 selectivity (e.g., betaxolol) are considered safer in patients with bronchospastic diseases, cardioselectivity is not absolute and may be lost with larger doses or higher plasma levels.
Depression
Moderate:
Combigan
The brimonidine ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.
Topically applied alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. Depression has infrequently been associated with the ocular use of these drugs due to their inhibiting effect on the sympathetic nervous system. Depressed patients should be monitored for exacerbation of their condition during therapy with ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agents.
Diabetes Mellitus
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremors, tachycardia and blood pressure changes. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, carteolol) may inhibit catecholamine-mediated glycogenolysis, thereby potentiating insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delaying the recovery of normal blood glucose levels. Since topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed and may produce clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels, therapy with ophthalmic beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes or predisposed to spontaneous hypoglycemia.
Heart Block
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.
The use of ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. In cardiac tissues, beta blockade causes a reduction in inotropic as well as chronotropic activity, which may further depress cardiac function in such patients.
Heart Failure
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.
The use of ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with overt congestive heart failure (CHF). Topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. Since sympathetic stimulation may be important in maintaining the hemodynamic function in patients with CHF, beta blockade can worsen the heart failure. However, therapy with ophthalmic beta-blockers can be administered cautiously in some CHF patients provided they are well compensated and receiving digitalis, diuretics, an ACE inhibitor, and/or nitrates. Beta-blockers should be discontinued if cardiac failure develops or worsens during therapy.
High Blood Pressure
Moderate:
rasagiline
Rasagiline has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Exacerbation of hypertension may occur during treatment with rasagiline. Dosage adjustment may be necessary if the elevation is sustained. Patients should be monitored for new onset hypertension or hypertension that is not well controlled after starting treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may mask some symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, anxiety, tremor, and heat intolerance. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy in thyrotoxic patients may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism or precipitate a thyroid storm. Since topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed and may produce clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels, therapy with ophthalmic beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with or suspected of having hyperthyroidism. Cessation of beta-blocker therapy, when necessary, should occur gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. Patients should be advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting with the physician. Close monitoring is recommended during and after therapy withdrawal.
Hypotension
Moderate:
Combigan
The brimonidine ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.
Topically applied alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. In the central nervous system, alpha adrenergic stimulation causes an inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor centers, resulting in decreased peripheral resistance and bradycardia. While the commercially available agents in the U.S. (apraclonidine and brimonidine) are hydrophilic and do not readily distribute across the ocular-blood barrier into the CNS, prolonged use may increase the risk of systemic effects. There have been occasional reports of bradycardia, chest heaviness or burning, palpitation, reduced blood pressure, and orthostatic hypotension when apraclonidine 1% was administered once or twice a day for 4 weeks to individuals not undergoing laser surgery. Therapy with ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, coronary or cerebrovascular insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, Raynaud's disease, thromboangiitis obliterans, and a predisposition for orthostatic hypotension.
Moderate:
rasagiline
Rasagiline has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.
Dopamine agonists may impair the systemic regulation of blood pressure, with resultant orthostatic hypotension at any time, but especially during dose escalation. Additionally, patients with Parkinson's disease may have an impaired capacity to respond to an orthostatic challenge. For these reasons, patients with Parkinson's disease (or restless legs syndrome) who are being treated with dopaminergic agonists typically require careful monitoring for signs/symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be advised of this risk.
Liver Disease
Major:
rasagiline
Rasagiline has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Rasagiline should not be used in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Patients with mild hepatic impairment should not exceed a dose of 0.5 mg daily.
Moderate:
Combigan
The brimonidine ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Topically applied alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. There are limited data concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition or the clinical use of these drugs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function.
Myoneural Disorder
Moderate:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Myoneural Disorder.
Topically applied beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. In the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, beta blockade may potentiate muscle weakness consistent with certain myasthenic symptoms such as diplopia, ptosis, and generalized weakness. Several beta-blockers have been associated rarely with aggravation of muscle weakness in patients with preexisting myasthenia gravis or myasthenic symptoms.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) reduce cardiac output and may precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. In addition, the nonselective beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, carteolol) may attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Since topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed and may produce clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels, therapy with ophthalmic beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.
Psychosis
Moderate:
rasagiline
Rasagiline has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.
Ordinarily, patients with major psychotic disorder should not be treated with dopaminergic antiparkinsonian agents, because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis. Hallucinations and psychotic-like behavior have been reported with dopaminergic medications. In addition, certain medications used to treat psychosis may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs. The use of bromocriptine in patients with severe psychotic disorders is not recommended.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Combigan
The brimonidine ophthalmic in Combigan has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Topically applied alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects. There are limited data concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition or the clinical use of these drugs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function.
Moderate:
rasagiline
Rasagiline has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Dose adjustment of rasagiline is not required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. However, rasagiline has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment. Caution is advised if used.
Sinus Node Dysfunction
Major:
Combigan
The timolol ophthalmic in Combigan has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.
The use of ophthalmic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is considered by manufacturers to be contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Topically applied beta-blockers are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. In cardiac tissues, beta blockade causes a reduction in inotropic as well as chronotropic activity, which may further depress cardiac function in such patients.
More resources
Combigan
A total of 586 drugs are known to interact with Combigan.
- Combigan is in the drug class ophthalmic glaucoma agents.
- Combigan is used to treat the following conditions:
rasagiline
A total of 536 drugs are known to interact with rasagiline.
- Rasagiline is in the drug class dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents.
- Rasagiline is used to treat Parkinson's Disease.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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