Drug Interaction Report

GENERALLY AVOID: Following ophthalmic administration, brinzolamide and dorzolamide are systemically absorbed and may have additive pharmacologic effects with other, systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Specific data are not available regarding coadministration with topiramate or zonisamide, which are anticonvulsants with some carbonic anhydrase inhibiting activity. Theoretically, adverse effects such as drowsiness, paresthesia, tinnitus, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, and gastrointestinal disturbances may be increased. Carbonic anhydrase inhibition can also promote kidney stone formation by reducing urinary citrate excretion and increasing urinary pH, and cause oligohidrosis or hyperthermia by altering electrolyte and fluid balance. Oligohidrosis and hyperthermia are sometimes associated with serious sequelae but may be preventable by prompt recognition of symptoms and appropriate treatment.

MANAGEMENT: The concomitant use of ocular and systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is not recommended. Patients treated with topiramate or zonisamide should be advised to increase fluid intake to enhance urinary output, which lowers the concentration of substances involved in stone formation. Patients should be monitored closely for evidence of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in warm or hot weather. Proper hydration before and during vigorous activities or exposure to warm temperatures is recommended. Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they develop signs or symptoms of kidney stones such as sudden back pain, abdominal pain, blood in the urine and/or painful urination, or if they experience a rise in body temperature or decreased sweating.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.