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Interactions between Cosopt and Metoprolol

1 drug interaction and 47 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

metoprolol timolol ophthalmic

Applies to: metoprolol and Cosopt (dorzolamide / timolol ophthalmic)
Monitor

Ophthalmic beta blocker solutions are systemically absorbed and can produce clinically significant systemic effects even at low or undetectable plasma levels. Additive effects of beta blockade may occur in patients receiving both oral and ophthalmic beta blocking agents.

Management

Blood pressure and intraocular pressure monitoring is recommended during concurrent use. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience a slow pulse, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References (2)
  1. "Product Information. Acupress (carteolol ophthalmic)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc, Rockville, MD.
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Timoptic (timolol ophthalmic)." Merck & Co., Inc

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

metoprolol Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: metoprolol
Adjust dosing interval

The bioavailability of metoprolol may be enhanced by food.

Management

Patients may be instructed to take metoprolol at the same time each day, preferably with or immediately following meals.

References (2)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Lopressor (metoprolol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  2. Darcy PF (1995) "Nutrient-drug interactions." Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev, 14, p. 233-54
Moderate:

metoprolol multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: metoprolol
Adjust dosing interval

Concurrent administration with calcium salts may decrease the oral bioavailability of atenolol and possibly other beta-blockers. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. In six healthy subjects, calcium 500 mg (as lactate, carbonate, and gluconate) reduced the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of atenolol (100 mg) by 51% and 32%, respectively. The elimination half-life increased by 44%. Twelve hours after the combination, beta-blocking activity (as indicated by inhibition of exercise tachycardia) was reduced compared to that with atenolol alone. However, during a 4-week treatment in six hypertensive patients, there was no difference in blood pressure values between treatments. The investigators suggest that prolongation of the elimination half-life induced by calcium coadministration may have led to atenolol cumulation during long-term dosing, which compensated for the reduced bioavailability.

Management

It may help to separate the administration times of beta-blockers and calcium products by at least 2 hours. Patients should be monitored for potentially diminished beta-blocking effects following the addition of calcium therapy.

References (1)
  1. Kirch W, Schafer-Korting M, Axthelm T, Kohler H, Mutschler E (1981) "Interaction of atenolol with furosemide and calcium and aluminum salts." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 30, p. 429-35

Disease interactions

45 potential interactions Applies to: 30 conditions, including High Cholesterol, Allergies, Heart Failure, Asthma, and COPD.

Allergies

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a major potential interaction with Allergies.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides is associated with large increases in the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and other serious dermatologic reactions, although these phenomena are rare as a whole. Hepatitis, pneumonitis, and interstitial nephritis have also occurred in association with sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with severe allergies, bronchial asthma or AIDS, since these patients may be at increased risk for potentially severe hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should be instructed to promptly report signs and symptoms that may precede the onset of cutaneous manifestations of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome, such as high fever, severe headache, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urethritis, and balanitis. Sulfonamide therapy should be stopped at once if a rash develops.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Allergies.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka 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:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a major potential interaction with Asthma.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides is associated with large increases in the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and other serious dermatologic reactions, although these phenomena are rare as a whole. Hepatitis, pneumonitis, and interstitial nephritis have also occurred in association with sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with severe allergies, bronchial asthma or AIDS, since these patients may be at increased risk for potentially severe hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should be instructed to promptly report signs and symptoms that may precede the onset of cutaneous manifestations of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome, such as high fever, severe headache, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urethritis, and balanitis. Sulfonamide therapy should be stopped at once if a rash develops.

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Patients with bronchospastic disease, should, in general, not receive beta blockers, including cardioselective beta-blockers. Because of the relative beta-1 selectivity, cardioselective beta-blockers may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta-1 selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of these agents should be used. Consider administering in smaller doses to avoid the higher plasma levels associated with the longer dosing intervals. If dosage must be increased, dividing the dose should be considered to achieve lower peak blood levels. It is recommended to have bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, readily available or administered concomitantly if necessary.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides has been associated with hematologic toxicity, including methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia, leukopenia, granulocytopenia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, purpura, clotting disorder, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and hypoprothrombinemia. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias or bone marrow suppression. Complete blood counts should be obtained regularly during prolonged therapy (>2 weeks), and patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasia such as fever, sore throat, local infection, bleeding, pallor, dizziness, or jaundice.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or cardiogenic shock. Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta-blockers), should be used with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency because of their potential effects relative to blood pressure and pulse. If signs or symptoms suggesting reduced cerebral blood flow are observed, consideration should be given to discontinuing these agents.

COPD

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

Patients with bronchospastic disease, should, in general, not receive beta blockers, including cardioselective beta-blockers. Because of the relative beta-1 selectivity, cardioselective beta-blockers may be used in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antihypertensive treatment. Because beta-1 selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of these agents should be used. Consider administering in smaller doses to avoid the higher plasma levels associated with the longer dosing intervals. If dosage must be increased, dividing the dose should be considered to achieve lower peak blood levels. It is recommended to have bronchodilators, including beta-2 agonists, readily available or administered concomitantly if necessary.

Dehydration

Moderate:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides has been associated with crystalluria due to precipitation of the sulfonamide and/or its N4-acetyl metabolite in the urinary tract. Renal toxicity such as uro- and nephrolithiasis, nephritis, toxic nephrosis, hematuria, proteinuria, and elevated BUN and creatinine has been reported. Hydration and adequate urinary output (> 1.5 L/day) should be maintained during sulfonamide administration. Patients who are dehydrated (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be at increased risk for the development of crystalluria and lithiasis and should be encouraged to consume additional amounts of liquid. Renal function tests and urinalysis should be performed regularly during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

Diabetes Mellitus

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol 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., propranolol, pindolol, timolol) may inhibit catecholamine-mediated glycogenolysis, thereby potentiating insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delaying the recovery of normal blood glucose levels. Since cardioselectivity is not absolute, larger doses of beta-1 selective agents may demonstrate these effects as well. Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes or predisposed to spontaneous hypoglycemia.

Diarrhea

Moderate:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a moderate potential interaction with Diarrhea.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides has been associated with crystalluria due to precipitation of the sulfonamide and/or its N4-acetyl metabolite in the urinary tract. Renal toxicity such as uro- and nephrolithiasis, nephritis, toxic nephrosis, hematuria, proteinuria, and elevated BUN and creatinine has been reported. Hydration and adequate urinary output (> 1.5 L/day) should be maintained during sulfonamide administration. Patients who are dehydrated (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be at increased risk for the development of crystalluria and lithiasis and should be encouraged to consume additional amounts of liquid. Renal function tests and urinalysis should be performed regularly during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Systemic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may lower intraocular pressure. Therefore, patients with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension may require adjustments in their ophthalmic regimen following a dosing change or discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy.

Heart Block

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to exacerbate these conditions.

Heart Failure

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) in general should not be used in patients with overt congestive heart failure (CHF). Sympathetic stimulation may be important in maintaining the hemodynamic function in these patients, thus beta-blockade can worsen the heart failure. However, therapy with beta-blockers may be beneficial and can be administered cautiously in some CHF patients provided they are well compensated and receiving digitalis, diuretics, an ACE inhibitor, and/or nitrates. Carvedilol, specifically, is indicated for use with these agents in the treatment of mild to severe heart failure of ischemic or cardiomyopathic origin. There is also increasing evidence that the addition of a beta-blocker to standard therapy can improve morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced heart failure, although it is uncertain whether effectiveness varies significantly with the different agents. Data from one meta-analysis study suggest a greater reduction of mortality risk for nonselective beta-blockers than for beta-1 selective agents.

Hemodialysis

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Hemodialysis.

Therapy with beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) should be administered cautiously in patients requiring hemodialysis. When given after dialysis, hemodynamic stability should be established prior to drug administration to avoid marked falls in blood pressure. The hemodynamic status should be closely monitored before and after the dose.

High Cholesterol

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) may alter serum lipid profiles. Increases in serum VLDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as decreases in HDL cholesterol, have been reported with some beta-blockers. Patients with preexisting hyperlipidemia may require closer monitoring during beta-blocker therapy, and adjustments made accordingly in their lipid-lowering regimen.

HIV-1 Infection

Major:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a major potential interaction with HIV-1 Infection.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides is associated with large increases in the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and other serious dermatologic reactions, although these phenomena are rare as a whole. Hepatitis, pneumonitis, and interstitial nephritis have also occurred in association with sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with severe allergies, bronchial asthma or AIDS, since these patients may be at increased risk for potentially severe hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should be instructed to promptly report signs and symptoms that may precede the onset of cutaneous manifestations of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome, such as high fever, severe headache, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urethritis, and balanitis. Sulfonamide therapy should be stopped at once if a rash develops.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

During chronic administration, the clearance of beta-blockers that are primarily metabolized by the liver (e.g., labetalol, metoprolol, penbutolol, propranolol) may be increased in patients with hyperthyroidism due to increased liver blood flow and enhanced activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated an approximately 50% increase in systemic clearance of propranolol during long-term therapy. In general, the dosage required to achieve therapeutic blood concentrations in such patients may be higher than that required in euthyroid patients and should be individualized.

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

When beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) are used to alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, anxiety, tremor and heat intolerance, abrupt withdrawal can exacerbate thyrotoxicosis or precipitate a thyroid storm. To minimize this risk, cessation of beta-blocker therapy, when necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages 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

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or cardiogenic shock. Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Heightened sensitivity to catecholamines may occur after prolonged use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers). Exacerbation of angina, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported in patients with coronary artery disease following abrupt withdrawal of therapy. Cessation of beta-blocker therapy, whenever necessary, should occur gradually with incrementally reduced dosages over a period of 1 to 2 weeks in patients with coronary insufficiency. Patients should be advised not to discontinue treatment without first consulting with the physician. In patients who experience an exacerbation of angina following discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy, the medication should generally be reinstituted, at least temporarily, along with other clinically appropriate measures.

Liver Disease

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Metoprolol is primarily metabolized by the liver. Patients with liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from metoprolol due to decreased drug clearance. Therapy with metoprolol should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Moderate:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. Hepatotoxicity, including jaundice, diffuse hepatocellular necrosis, hypersensitivity hepatitis and hepatic failure, has rarely been reported in patients receiving sulfonamides. In addition, sulfonamides are partially metabolized by the liver and may accumulate in patients with hepatic impairment. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease.

Myasthenia Gravis

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) 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. Use cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Myoneural Disorder

Moderate:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol 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., propranolol, pindolol, timolol) may attenuate catecholamine-mediated vasodilation during exercise by blocking beta-2 receptors in peripheral vessels. Therapy with beta-blockers should be administered cautiously in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Close monitoring for progression of arterial obstruction is advised.

Pheochromocytoma

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Administration of beta-blockers alone in the setting of pheochromocytoma has been associated with a paradoxical increase in blood pressure due to the attenuation of beta receptor-mediated vasodilatation in skeletal muscle. In patients with pheochromocytoma, an alpha-blocking agent should be initiated prior to the use of any beta-blocking agent. Caution should be taken in the administration of these agents to patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma.

Porphyria

Major:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a major potential interaction with Porphyria.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with porphyria, since these drugs can precipitate an acute attack. The use of oral sulfonamides is considered contraindicated in patients with porphyria.

Psoriasis

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Psoriasis.

The use of beta-blockers in psoriatic patients should be carefully weighed since the use of these agents may cause an aggravation in psoriasis.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. Once absorbed, sulfonamides and their metabolites are eliminated by the kidney. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for adverse effects from sulfonamides due to decreased drug clearance. Additionally, sulfonamides may cause renal toxicity secondary to crystalluria, including uro- and nephrolithiasis, nephritis, toxic nephrosis, hematuria, proteinuria, and elevated BUN and creatinine. Hydration and adequate urinary output (> 1.5 L/day) should be maintained during sulfonamide administration. Renal function tests and urinalysis should be performed regularly during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks). Some manufacturers of topical sulfonamide products do not recommend their use in patients with impaired renal function.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

Cosopt

The timolol ophthalmic in Cosopt 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.

Major:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) is contraindicated in patients with sinus bradyarrhythmia or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). Due to their negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, the use of beta-blockers is likely to exacerbate these conditions.

Tachyarrhythmia

Moderate:

metoprolol

Metoprolol has a moderate potential interaction with Tachyarrhythmia.

Beta-adrenergic blockade in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and tachycardia has been associated with severe bradycardia requiring treatment with a pacemaker. In one case, this result was reported after an initial dose of 5 mg propranolol. The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents (aka beta-blockers) should be administered cautiously in these patients.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. Once absorbed, sulfonamides are excreted and concentrated in the urine. Therapy with topical sulfonamides should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary obstruction or retention, since excessive drug accumulation may occur. These patients may also be at increased risk for sulfonamide crystalluria, which may be associated with renal toxicity such as uro- and nephrolithiasis, nephritis, toxic nephrosis, hematuria, proteinuria, and elevated BUN and creatinine. A urinary output of at least 1.5 L/day should be maintained during sulfonamide administration. Renal function tests and urinalysis should be performed regularly during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

Vomiting

Moderate:

Cosopt

The dorzolamide ophthalmic in Cosopt has a moderate potential interaction with Vomiting.

Sulfonamides may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin, eye, or mucosal membranes. The use of sulfonamides has been associated with crystalluria due to precipitation of the sulfonamide and/or its N4-acetyl metabolite in the urinary tract. Renal toxicity such as uro- and nephrolithiasis, nephritis, toxic nephrosis, hematuria, proteinuria, and elevated BUN and creatinine has been reported. Hydration and adequate urinary output (> 1.5 L/day) should be maintained during sulfonamide administration. Patients who are dehydrated (e.g., due to severe diarrhea or vomiting) may be at increased risk for the development of crystalluria and lithiasis and should be encouraged to consume additional amounts of liquid. Renal function tests and urinalysis should be performed regularly during prolonged therapy (> 2 weeks).

More resources

Cosopt

A total of 301 drugs are known to interact with Cosopt.

metoprolol

A total of 579 drugs are known to interact with metoprolol.

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.