An 80-year-old patient has a diagnosis of glaucoma, and the ophthalmologist has prescribed timolol (Timoptic) and pilocarpine eye drops. The primary care NP should counsel this patient:
a. that systemic side effects of these medications may be severe.
b. that the combination of these two drugs may cause drowsiness.
c. to begin an exercise program to improve cardiovascular health.
d. that a higher dose of one or both of these medications may be needed.
A
Older patients are susceptible to systemic effects of topical eye drops. Timolol can cause cerebrovascular, central nervous system, and respiratory side effects, and pilocarpine can cause systemic ?-blocker effects. The combination does not cause drowsiness. Although there is some correlation between cardiovascular health and glaucoma, beginning a new exercise program is not indicated. A higher dose of the medications would increase systemic side effects.
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