Skip to main content

Can you take DMH with Pilocarpine ophthalmic?

1 drug interaction and 33 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

dimenhyDRINATE pilocarpine ophthalmic

Applies to: DMH (dimenhydrinate) and pilocarpine ophthalmic

DimenhyDRINATE may reduce the effects of pilocarpine ophthalmic. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes during treatment with these medications. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. 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:

dimenhyDRINATE Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: DMH (dimenhydrinate)

Ask your doctor before using dimenhyDRINATE together with ethanol (alcohol). Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking dimenhyDRINATE. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. 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.

Disease interactions

32 potential interactions Applies to: 29 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Asthma, Indigestion, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Aphakia

Major:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a major potential interaction with Aphakia.

The use of miotic agents may occasionally cause retinal detachment due to drug-induced ciliary or accommodative spasm, which causes the lens and vitreous to move forward and create a retinal tear. Therapy with miotic agents should be administered with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with risk factors for retinal detachment, such as old age, retinal degenerative changes or other retinal disorders, aphakia, prior cataract extraction, or a history of severe myopia or retinal detachment.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Asthma

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Cataract

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Cataract.

The use of miotic agents has been associated with the development of lens opacities characterized by the appearance of anterior subcapsular vacuoles. The incidence of cataracts appears to be highest in patients treated with long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate) and may also be related to age (higher in patients > 60 years of age), drug concentration, frequency of use, and duration of therapy (>= 6 months). Lens opacities usually regress if miotic therapy is withdrawn early in their development but often become progressive once they are established. Therapy with miotic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to cataracts. Slit-lamp examinations should be performed regularly, and miotic therapy discontinued if necessary.

COPD

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Corneal Abrasion

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Corneal Abrasion.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Heart Attack

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Heart Failure

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Hyperthyroidism

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Hypotension

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Indigestion

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Indigestion.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Myopia

Major:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a major potential interaction with Myopia.

The use of miotic agents may occasionally cause retinal detachment due to drug-induced ciliary or accommodative spasm, which causes the lens and vitreous to move forward and create a retinal tear. Therapy with miotic agents should be administered with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with risk factors for retinal detachment, such as old age, retinal degenerative changes or other retinal disorders, aphakia, prior cataract extraction, or a history of severe myopia or retinal detachment.

Parkinsonism

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Parkinsonism.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Peptic Ulcer

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Peptic Ulcer.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Post MI Syndrome

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Post MI Syndrome.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy

Major:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH 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.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Retinal Disorders

Major:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a major potential interaction with Retinal Disorders.

The use of miotic agents may occasionally cause retinal detachment due to drug-induced ciliary or accommodative spasm, which causes the lens and vitreous to move forward and create a retinal tear. Therapy with miotic agents should be administered with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with risk factors for retinal detachment, such as old age, retinal degenerative changes or other retinal disorders, aphakia, prior cataract extraction, or a history of severe myopia or retinal detachment.

Seizures

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

DMH

The dimenhyDRINATE in DMH has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Urinary Tract Obstruction

Moderate:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Topically applied cholinergic agents are systemically absorbed, with the potential for producing rare but clinically significant systemic effects, including urinary incontinence, tightness of the bladder, increased gastric contractility and acid secretion, bradycardia, severe hypotension, bronchospasm, seizures, and coma. Increases in blood pressure may occur rarely due to a nicotinic effect on sympathetic ganglia. Therapy with ophthalmic cholinergic agents, particularly the long-acting cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., demecarium and echothiophate), should be administered cautiously in patients with corneal abrasion (which may increase drug penetration), bronchospastic diseases, spastic gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract obstruction, peptic ulcer, pronounced bradycardia and hypotension, vascular hypertension, acute cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction, epilepsy, parkinsonism, and other conditions that may respond adversely to vagotonic effects. The usual precautions should be followed to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, including digital compression of the nasolacrimal ducts (1 to 2 minutes) following instillation to limit drainage into the nasal chamber, where extensive absorption may occur, and washing hands after use to prevent skin absorption. Excessive cholinergic effects may be reversed with parenterally administered atropine.

Uveitis, Anterior

Major:

pilocarpine ophthalmic

Pilocarpine ophthalmic has a major potential interaction with Uveitis, Anterior.

The use of miotic agents is contraindicated in patients with active anterior uveitis and/or glaucoma associated with iridocyclitis. Pupillary constriction produced by these agents may aggravate the inflammation and predispose these patients to the development of posterior synechiae.

More resources

DMH

A total of 412 drugs are known to interact with DMH.

pilocarpine ophthalmic

A total of 101 drugs are known to interact with pilocarpine ophthalmic.

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.