Combigan

Common use

Combigan eye drops are used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). Combigan contains a combination of brimonidine and timolol. Brimonidine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye. Timolol is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye.

Dosage and direction

To apply the Combigan eye drops: Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop. Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Combigan eye drops 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.

Precautions

To make sure Combigan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, history of stroke or blood clot; high or low blood pressure, circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome); depression; diabetes (using brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic may make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar); a thyroid disorder; any allergies; myasthenia gravis; or a history of glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eye.
It is not known whether Combigan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Contraindications

You should not use Combigan eye drops if you are allergic to brimonidine or timolol, or 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.
Timolol and brimonidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Possible side effect

Common Combigan 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.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Combigan, especially: digoxin, digitalis; reserpine; an antidepressant - amitriptyline, bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, duloxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine; an MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; a beta blocker - atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or heart or blood pressure medicine - amlodipine, diltiazem, methyldopa, nifedipine, quinidine, verapamil, and others.

Missed dose

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.

Overdose

An overdose of Combigan is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Storage

Store Combigan eye drops at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep away from children and pets.