Lowiop

Lowiop is indicated in the treatment of elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma when topical beta-blocker monotherapy is not sufficient.

The dose is one drop of Lowiop in the (conjunctival sac of the) affected eye(s) two times daily.

If another topical ophthalmic medicinal product is being used, the other agent should be administered at least ten minutes apart.

Paediatric population:

Efficacy in paediatric patients has not been established.

Safety in paediatric patients below the age of two years has not been established. (For information regarding safety in paediatric patients 2 and < 6 years of age, see section 5.1).

Patients should be instructed to wash their hands before use and avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye or surrounding structures.

In order to secure correct dosage - the dropper tip should not be enlarged.

Patients should also be instructed that ocular solutions, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions.

Patients should be informed of the correct handling of the ophthalmic Lowiop.

Usage instructions:

1. The tamper-proof seal on the bottle neck must be unbroken before the product is being used for the first time. A gap between the bottle and the cap is normal for an unopened bottle.

2. The cap of the bottle should be taken off.

3. The patient's head must be tilted back and the lower eyelid must be pulled gently down to form a small pocket between the eyelid and the eye.

4. The bottle should be inverted and squeezed until a single drop is dispensed into the eye. THE EYE OR EYELID MUST NOT BE TOUCHED WITH THE DROPPER TIP.

5. Steps 3 & 4 should be repeated with the other eye if it is necessary.

6. The cap must be put back on and the bottle must be closed straight after it has been used.

Lowiop is contra-indicated in patients with:

- reactive airway disease, including bronchial asthma or a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

- sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock

- severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min) or hyperchloraemic acidosis

- hypersensitivity to one or both active substances or to any of the excipients.

The above are based on the components and are not unique to the combination.

Cardiovascular/respiratory reactions

As with other topically-applied ophthalmic agents, this drug may be absorbed systemically. The timolol component is a beta-blocker. Therefore, the same types of adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-blockers may occur with topical administration, including worsening of Prinzmetal's angina, worsening of severe peripheral and central circulatory disorders, and hypotension.

Because of the timolol maleate component, cardiac failure should be adequately controlled before beginning therapy with Lowiop. In patients with a history of severe cardiac disease, signs of cardiac failure should be watched for and pulse rates should be checked.

Respiratory reactions and cardiac reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma and rarely death in association with cardiac failure, have been reported following administration of timolol maleate.

Hepatic impairment

Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment and therefore should be used with caution in such patients.

Immunology and hypersensitivity

As with other topically-applied ophthalmic agents, this drug may be absorbed systemically. The dorzolamide component is a sulphonamide. Therefore the same types of adverse reactions found with systemic administration of sulphonamides may occur with topical administration. If signs of serious reactions or hypersensitivity occur, discontinue use of this preparation.

Local ocular adverse effects, similar to those observed with dorzolamide hydrochloride eye drops, have been seen with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution. If such reactions occur, discontinuation of Lowiop should be considered.

While taking β-blockers, patients with a history of atopy or a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to accidental, diagnostic, or therapeutic repeated challenge with such allergens. Such patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

Concomitant therapy

The following concomitant medication is not recommended:

− dorzolamide and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

− topical betaadrenergic blocking agents.

Withdrawal of therapy

As with systemic beta-blockers, if discontinuation of ophthalmic timolol is needed in patients with coronary heart disease, therapy should be withdrawn gradually.

Additional effects of beta-blockade

Therapy with beta-blockers may mask certain symptoms of hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia.

Therapy with beta-blockers may mask certain symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blocker therapy may precipitate a worsening of symptoms.

Therapy with beta-blockers may aggravate symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Additional effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition

Therapy with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors has been associated with urolithiasis as a result of acid-base disturbances, especially in patients with a prior history of renal calculi. Although no acid-base disturbances have been observed with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution, urolithiasis has been reported infrequently. Because Lowiop contains a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is absorbed systemically, patients with a prior history of renal calculi may be at increased risk of urolithiasis while using Lowiop.

Other

The management of patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma requires therapeutic interventions in addition to ocular hypotensive agents. Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution has not been studied in patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Corneal oedema and irreversible corneal decompensation have been reported in patients with pre-existing chronic corneal defects and/or a history of intra-ocular surgery while using dorzolamide. Topical dorzolamide should be used with caution in such patients.

Choroidal detachment concomitant with ocular hypotony have been reported after filtration procedures with administration of aqueous suppressant therapies.

As with the use of other antiglaucoma drugs, diminished responsiveness to ophthalmic timolol maleate after prolonged therapy has been reported in some patients. However, in clinical studies in which 164 patients have been followed for at least three years, no significant difference in mean intra-ocular pressure has been observed after initial stabilisation.

Contact lens use

Lowiop contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation. Benzalkonium chloride is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses prior to application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Paediatric use

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Possible side effects such as blurred vision may affect some patients' ability to drive and/or operate machinery.

In clinical studies no adverse experiences specific to Dorzolamide/Timolol have been observed; adverse experiences have been limited to those that were reported previously with dorzolamide hydrochloride and/or timolol maleate. In general, common adverse experiences were mild and did not cause discontinuation.

During clinical studies, 1,035 patients were treated with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution. Approximately 2.4% of all patients discontinued therapy with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution because of local ocular adverse reactions, approximately 1.2% of all patients discontinued because of local adverse reactions suggestive of allergy or hypersensitivity (such as lid inflammation and conjunctivitis).

The following adverse reactions have been reported with Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution or one of its components either during clinical trials or during post-marketing experience:

[Very Common: (>1/10), Common: (>1/100 to <1/10), Uncommon: (>1/1.000 to <1/100), Rare: (>1/10.000 to <1/1.000), Very rare (<1/10.000) and Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)].

Nervous system and Psychiatric disorders:

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:

Common: headache*

Rare: dizziness*, paresthesia*

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Common: headache*

Uncommon: dizziness*, depression*

Rare: insomnia*, nightmares*, memory loss, paraesthesia*, increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis, decreased libido*, cerebrovascular accident*

Eye disorders:

Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:

Very Common: burning and stinging

Common: conjunctival injection, blurred vision, corneal erosion, ocular itching, tearing

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:

Common: eyelid inflammation*, eyelid irritation*

Uncommon: iridocyclitis*

Rare: irritation including redness*, pain*, eyelid crusting*, transient myopia (which resolved upon discontinuation of therapy), corneal oedema*, ocular hypotony*, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery)*

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Common: signs and symptoms of ocular irritation including blepharitis*, keratitis*, decreased corneal sensitivity, and dry eyes*

Uncommon: visual disturbances including refractive changes (due to withdrawal of miotic therapy in some cases)*

Rare: ptosis, diplopia, choroidal detachment (following filtration surgery)*

Ear and labyrinth disorders:

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Rare: tinnitus*

Cardiac and Vascular disorders:

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Uncommon: bradycardia*, syncope*

Rare: hypotension*, chest pain*, palpitation*, oedema*, arrhythmia*, congestive heart failure*, heart block*, cardiac arrest*, cerebral ischaemia, claudication, Raynaud's phenomenon*, cold hands and feet*

Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders:

Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:

Common: sinusitis

Rare: shortness of breath, respiratory failure, rhinitis

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:

Rare: epistaxis*

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Uncommon: dyspnoea*

Rare: bronchospasm (predominantly in patients with pre-existing bronchospastic disease)*, cough*

Gastro-intestinal disorders:

Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:

Very Common: taste perversion

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:

Common: nausea*

Rare: throat irritation, dry mouth*

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Uncommon: nausea*, dyspepsia*

Rare: diarrhoea, dry mouth*

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:

Rare: contact dermatitis

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:

Rare: rash*

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Rare: alopecia*, psoriasiform rash or exacerbation of psoriasis*

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Rare: systemic lupus erythematosus

Renal and Urinary disorders:

Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:

Uncommon: urolithiasis

Reproductive system and breast disorders:

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Rare: Peyronie's disease*

General disorders and administration site disorders:

Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution:

Rare: signs and symptoms of systemic allergic reactions, including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, anaphylaxis, rarely bronchospasm

Dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution:

Common: asthenia/fatigue*

Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution:

Uncommon: asthenia/fatigue*

*These adverse reactions were also observed with Dorzolamide/Timolol ophthalmic solution during post-marketing experience.

Laboratory findings

Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution was not associated with clinically meaningful electrolyte disturbances in clinical studies.

No data are available in humans in regard to overdosage by accidental or deliberate ingestion of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution.

There have been reports of inadvertent overdosage with timolol maleate ophthalmic solution resulting in systemic effects similar to those seen with systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and cardiac arrest. The most common signs and symptoms to be expected with overdosage of dorzolamide are electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and possibly central nervous system effects.

Only limited information is available with regard to human overdosage by accidental or deliberate ingestion of dorzolamide hydrochloride. With oral ingestion, somnolence has been reported. With topical application the following have been reported: nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, abnormal dreams, and dysphagia.

Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored. Studies have shown that timolol does not dialyse readily.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiglaucoma preparations and miotics, Beta-Blocking Agents, Timolol, Combinations.

ATC code: S01E D51

Mechanism of action

Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution is comprised of two components: dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. Each of these two components decreases elevated intra-ocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor secretion, but does so by a different mechanism of action.

Dorzolamide hydrochloride is a potent inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase II. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye decreases aqueous humor secretion, presumably by slowing the formation of bicarbonate ions with subsequent reduction in sodium and fluid transport. Timolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. The precise mechanism of action of timolol maleate in lowering intra-ocular pressure is not clearly established at this time, although a fluorescein study and tonography studies indicate that the predominant action may be related to reduced aqueous formation. However, in some studies a slight increase in outflow facility was also observed. The combined effect of these two agents results in additional intra-ocular pressure reduction compared to either component administered alone.

Following topical administration, Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution reduces elevated intra-ocular pressure, whether or not associated with glaucoma. Elevated intra-ocular pressure is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of optic nerve damage and glaucomatous visual field loss.

Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution reduces intra-ocular pressure without the common side effects of miotics such as night blindness, accommodative spasm and pupillary constriction.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Clinical effects:

Adult Patients

Clinical studies of up to 15 months duration were conducted to compare the IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. (dosed morning and bedtime) to individually- and concomitantly-administered 0.5% timolol and 2.0% dorzolamide in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension for whom concomitant therapy was considered appropriate in the trials. This included both untreated patients and patients inadequately controlled with timolol monotherapy. The majority of patients were treated with topical beta-blocker monotherapy prior to study enrollment. In an analysis of the combined studies, the IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. was greater than that of monotherapy with either 2% dorzolamide t.i.d. or 0.5% timolol b.i.d. The IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. was equivalent to that of concomitant therapy with dorzolamide b.i.d. and timolol b.i.d. The IOP-lowering effect of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution b.i.d. was demonstrated when measured at various time points throughout the day and this effect was maintained during long-term administration.

Paediatric Population

A three month controlled study, with the primary objective of documenting the safety of 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in children under the age of 6 years has been conducted. In this study, 30 patients under six and greater than or equal to two years of age whose IOP was not adequately controlled with monotherapy by dorzolamide or timolol received Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution in an open label phase. Efficacy in those patients has not been established. In this small group of patients, twice daily administration of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution was generally well tolerated with 19 patients completing the treatment period and 11 patients discontinuing for surgery, a change in medication, or other reasons.

Dorzolamide hydrochloride:

Unlike oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, topical administration of dorzolamide hydrochloride allows for the drug to exert its effects directly in the eye at substantially lower doses and therefore with less systemic exposure. In clinical trials, this resulted in a reduction in IOP without the acid-base disturbances or alterations in electrolytes characteristic of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

When topically applied, dorzolamide reaches the systemic circulation. To assess the potential for systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibition following topical administration, drug and metabolite concentrations in red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma and carbonic anhydrase inhibition in RBCs were measured. Dorzolamide accumulates in RBCs during chronic dosing as a result of selective binding to CA-II while extremely low concentrations of free drug in plasma are maintained. The parent drug forms a single N-desethyl metabolite that inhibits CA-II less potently than the parent drug but also inhibits a less active isoenzyme (CA-I). The metabolite also accumulates in RBCs where it binds primarily to CA-I. Dorzolamide binds moderately to plasma proteins (approximately 33%). Dorzolamide is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine; the metabolite is also excreted in urine. After dosing ends, dorzolamide washes out of RBCs non-linearly, resulting in a rapid decline of drug concentration initially, followed by a slower elimination phase with a half-life of about four months.

When dorzolamide was given orally to simulate the maximum systemic exposure after long term topical ocular administration, steady state was reached within 13 weeks. At steady state, there was virtually no free drug or metabolite in plasma; CA inhibition in RBCs was less than that anticipated to be necessary for a pharmacological effect on renal function or respiration. Similar pharmacokinetic results were observed after chronic, topical administration of dorzolamide hydrochloride. However, some elderly patients with renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance 30-60 millilitre/min) had higher metabolite concentrations in RBCs, but no meaningful differences in carbonic anhydrase inhibition and no clinically significant systemic side effects were directly attributable to this finding.

Timolol maleate:

In a study of plasma drug concentration in six subjects, the systemic exposure to timolol was determined following twice daily topical administration of timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.5%. The mean peak plasma concentration following morning dosing was 0.46 ng/millilitre and following afternoon dosing was 0.35 ng/millilitre.

The ocular and systemic safety profile of the individual components is well established.

Dorzolamide

In rabbits given maternotoxic doses of dorzolamide associated with metabolic acidosis, malformations of the vertebral bodies were observed.

Timolol

Animal studies have not shown a teratogenic effect.

Furthermore, no adverse ocular effects were seen in animals treated topically with dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate ophthalmic solution or with concomitantly-administered dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate. In vitro and in vivo studies with each of the components did not reveal a mutagenic potential. Therefore, no significant risk for human safety is expected with therapeutic doses of Dorzolamide/Timolol eye drops solution.

Not applicable.

No special requirements.