Combigan (Brimonidine And Timolol Ophthalmic)
Brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to lower high pressure in the eye in people with glaucoma or other eye pressure problems. It may be used with another eye medicine or in place of another eye medicine.
Brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Combigan (Brimonidine And Timolol Ophthalmic)?
You should not use brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a history of asthma or severe 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.
To make sure brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- coronary artery disease or other circulation problems (Raynaud's phenomenon or low blood pressure);
- depression;
- diabetes (using brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic may make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
- a thyroid disorder; or
- myasthenia gravis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.
Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medicine. Timolol in this medicine has been found in human milk. This medicine may cause serious side effects in a breastfed baby, including breathing problems. It is not known if brimonidine passes into human milk.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Combigan (Brimonidine And Timolol Ophthalmic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe breathing problems or bronchoespasm;
- slow or uneven heart rate;
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
- severe swelling, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;
- eye pain or increased watering; or
- numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, tired feeling;
- mild itching, redness, or irritation of your eyes; or
- mild stinging or burning when using the eye drops.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Combigan (Brimonidine And Timolol Ophthalmic)?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Combigan (Brimonidine And Timolol Ophthalmic)?
Use Combigan (Brimonidine And Timolol Ophthalmic) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes 2 times a day, about 12 hours apart.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket.
Use only the prescribed number of drops.
Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops.
Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.
Store at room temperature. Protect from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.