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Can you take Combigan with Tubocurarine?

2 drug interactions and 28 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

tubocurarine timolol ophthalmic

Applies to: tubocurarine and Combigan (brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic)

Using tubocurarine together with timolol ophthalmic may have additive effects, which can cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. You should be closely monitored for irregular breathing. You may need a dose adjustment or special test 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:

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.

Food/lifestyle interactions

No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease interactions

28 potential interactions Applies to: 22 conditions, including Depression, Allergies, Heart Failure, Asthma, and COPD.

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.

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Allergies.

Some neuromuscular blocking agents stimulate the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing, bronchospasm, increased bronchial secretions, hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. Hypotension may also occur due to ganglionic blockade or as a complication of positive pressure respiration. Tubocurarine appears to be the most potent inducer of histamine, followed by metocurine (no longer commercially available in the U.S.) and succinylcholine. Other agents with varying but lesser degrees of histamine-releasing properties include atracurium, mivacurium, and pancuronium (at excessive dosages). Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or a history of asthma or severe allergic reactions. Certain agents may prolong the QTc interval, especially during general anesthesia in pediatric patients. The initial dosage and rate of administration may need to be reduced, and hemodynamic and respiratory status carefully monitored. Neuromuscular blocking agents that appear to have little or no histamine-inducing effects include cisatracurium, doxacurium, pipecuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium.

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.

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Asthma.

Some neuromuscular blocking agents stimulate the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing, bronchospasm, increased bronchial secretions, hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. Hypotension may also occur due to ganglionic blockade or as a complication of positive pressure respiration. Tubocurarine appears to be the most potent inducer of histamine, followed by metocurine (no longer commercially available in the U.S.) and succinylcholine. Other agents with varying but lesser degrees of histamine-releasing properties include atracurium, mivacurium, and pancuronium (at excessive dosages). Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or a history of asthma or severe allergic reactions. Certain agents may prolong the QTc interval, especially during general anesthesia in pediatric patients. The initial dosage and rate of administration may need to be reduced, and hemodynamic and respiratory status carefully monitored. Neuromuscular blocking agents that appear to have little or no histamine-inducing effects include cisatracurium, doxacurium, pipecuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium.

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

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Some neuromuscular blocking agents stimulate the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing, bronchospasm, increased bronchial secretions, hypotension, tachycardia, and circulatory collapse. Hypotension may also occur due to ganglionic blockade or as a complication of positive pressure respiration. Tubocurarine appears to be the most potent inducer of histamine, followed by metocurine (no longer commercially available in the U.S.) and succinylcholine. Other agents with varying but lesser degrees of histamine-releasing properties include atracurium, mivacurium, and pancuronium (at excessive dosages). Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or a history of asthma or severe allergic reactions. Certain agents may prolong the QTc interval, especially during general anesthesia in pediatric patients. The initial dosage and rate of administration may need to be reduced, and hemodynamic and respiratory status carefully monitored. Neuromuscular blocking agents that appear to have little or no histamine-inducing effects include cisatracurium, doxacurium, pipecuronium, rocuronium, and vecuronium.

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.

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.

Hypokalemia

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Severe acid-base and/or electrolyte abnormalities may potentiate or cause resistance to the neuromuscular blocking action neuromuscular blocking agents. The potency of these agents may be mixed in metabolic acidosis and alkalosis, and in respiratory alkalosis. Since electrolyte imbalance and acid-base imbalance are usually mixed, either enhancement or inhibition may occur. Caution should be taken when using these agents in predisposed patients.

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.

Liver Disease

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Neuromuscular blocking agents undergo metabolism by the liver. Elimination and effects may be prolonged in patients with liver disease. Therapy with neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease.

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.

Myasthenia Gravis

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

The use of neuromuscular blocking agents may cause prolonged respiratory paralysis. Therapy with neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis. Use of a peripheral nerve stimulator may be helpful in evaluating the level of neuromuscular blockade.

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.

Paralytic Disorder

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Paralytic Disorder.

Patients with hemiparesis or paraparesis may require higher dosages of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents in the affected limbs. Neuromuscular monitoring should be performed on a non-paretic limb to avoid inaccurate dosing.

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.

Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.

Parenteral medications formulated in multidose vials often contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Their use is considered by drug manufacturers to be contraindicated in neonates, particularly premature infants and infants of low birth weight. When used in bacteriostatic saline intravascular flush and endotracheal tube lavage solutions, benzyl alcohol has been associated with fatalities and severe respiratory and metabolic complications in low-birth-weight premature infants. Thus, single-dose formulations should always be used in infants whenever possible. However, many experts feel that, in the absence of benzyl alcohol-free equivalents, the amount of the preservative present in these formulations should not necessarily preclude their use if they are clearly indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers benzyl alcohol in low doses (such as when used as a preservative in some medications) to be safe for newborns. However, the administration of high dosages of these medications must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The level at which toxicity may occur is unknown.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Neuromuscular blocking agents can cause respiratory depression and paralysis. Therapy with neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously in patients with pulmonary impairment. Treatment of respiratory paralysis consists of positive-pressure artificial respiration with oxygen and maintenance of a patent airway until the recovery of normal respiration is assured.

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:

tubocurarine

Tubocurarine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Many of the non-depolarizing (competitive) neuromuscular blocking agents undergo significant elimination by the kidney. Their effects may, therefore, be prolonged in patients with renal dysfunction. Therapy with these neuromuscular blocking agents should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in renally compromised patients, depending on the level of insufficiency. If possible, alternative agents should be considered. Atracurium, rocuronium and vecuronium do not depend on kidney function for clearance and are often the non-depolarizing muscle relaxants of choice in renal failure.

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.

tubocurarine

A total of 157 drugs are known to interact with tubocurarine.

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.