Drug interactions
Cocaine + Timolol
Severity: Moderate
Cocaine and Timolol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Cocaine causes coronary vasoconstriction and hypertension, and non-selective beta-blockers may leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, potentially worsening hypertension and coronary spasm. This concern is mostly with systemic cocaine exposure, whereas topical anesthetic use carries much lower risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine and Timolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Timolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Beta-blockade leaves alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction unopposed during cocaine-induced sympathetic stimulation.
What to do
Avoid beta-blockers in acute cocaine toxicity with chest pain. With topical cocaine use, use the minimum dose and monitor blood pressure and ECG.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Timolol
- Acebutolol + Timolol Major
- Aldesleukin + Timolol Major
- Amifostine + Timolol Major
- Amiodarone + Timolol Major
- Arformoterol + Timolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Timolol Major
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Timolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cocaine and Timolol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Cocaine causes coronary vasoconstriction and hypertension, and non-selective beta-blockers may leave alpha-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed, potentially worsening hypertension and coronary spasm. This concern is mostly with systemic cocaine exposure, whereas topical anesthetic use carries much lower risk.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine and Timolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid beta-blockers in acute cocaine toxicity with chest pain. With topical cocaine use, use the minimum dose and monitor blood pressure and ECG.
What other medicines interact with Timolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Timolol with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Timolol page.
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