Indications
Combigan (active ingredients: brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Glaucoma: Combigan is used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension when monotherapy is not sufficient.
Combigan belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists and beta blockers, which work by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye and increasing its outflow, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure.
Uses and Dosage
Combigan comes in the form of eye drops and is applied directly to the eyes. Each mL of ophthalmic solution contains brimonidine tartrate 0.2% and timolol maleate 0.5%. It is available in five different bottle sizes: 5ml, 10ml, and 15ml. Wash your hands before using the eye drops and tilt your head back and look at the ceiling when applying them. If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before using the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes after using them before putting them back in.
The recommended dosage of Combigan is one drop in each eye, once in the morning and once in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart. To avoid contamination, make sure not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or any other surface. Additionally, if you use other eye drops, wait at least 10 minutes before applying them, and if you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting them back in.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate
- Burning or stinging of your eye
- Drowsiness
- Dry eye
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Itchy eye
- Red eyes
Serious Side Effects of Combigan
- Low blood pressure
- Signs of breathing problems (shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, or tightness in chest, fast or irregular breathing)
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat)
- Symptoms of low blood sugar (cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness)
- Vision changes
Form and Strength
Combigan (Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Combigan: Eye drops
- 0.2/0.5%
Caution
- Do not change your dosage of the medication without first consulting your doctor, even if your doctor has recommended a different dose from the one listed here.
- Store Combigan at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Doing so will help ensure that the medication remains effective and safe to use.
- Avoid letting the tip of the bottle touch your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination.
- Wait at least 10 minutes between applying Combigan and other eye drops.
- Remove soft contact lenses before using Combigan and wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting them back in.
- Keep Combigan out of the reach of children.
- Be cautious when using Combigan with other topical ophthalmic medications, antihypertensives, and/or cardiac glycosides.
- Be aware of the potential for severe respiratory or cardiac reactions.
- Use caution when prescribing Combigan to patients with depression.
- Combigan must not be used in infants under 2 years of age. Combigan should not usually be used in children and adolescents (from 2 to 17 years).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can you use Combigan eye drops?
Throw out any remaining solution after four weeks from the date of opening. Eye drops contain a preservative that helps prevent germs from growing in the solution for the first four weeks after opening the bottle. After this time there is a greater risk that the drops may become contaminated and cause an eye infection.
Who should not use Combigan?
You should not use Combigan eye drops if you have a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a serious heart condition such as "AV block," severe heart failure, or slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint. Combigan should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
How many times a day do you take Combigan?
The recommended dose is one drop of Combigan, twice a day about 12 hours apart.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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