Combigan (Brimonidine Tartrate And Timolol Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Combigan Used For?
Combigan is an eye drop medication that combines two active ingredients to effectively treat eye conditions related to increased pressure.
Primary Uses
Combigan is used to lower raised pressure in the eye(s) and to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where fluid pressure in the eye may be high, though some people with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure.
How It Works
Combigan eye drops lower the pressure in the eye by decreasing the fluid produced and helping the flow of fluid out of the eye chamber. The medication helps control glaucoma but does not cure it.
Good to know: Although Combigan helps control your glaucoma, regular monitoring by your eye specialist is important as there are usually no symptoms of glaucoma.
How to Take Combigan
Your doctor will provide specific instructions for using Combigan eye drops. Proper technique is important for effectiveness and safety.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) two times a day (approximately every 12 hours). Use at about the same time each day for best results. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes after using Combigan before applying other drops. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before replacing them.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to use Combigan and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Never touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any surface to avoid contamination.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- redness of the eye or eyelids
- burning or stinging sensation in the eye
- blurry vision
- tearing
- conjunctivitis with discharge and itching
- inflammation of undersurface of eyelids
- eye dryness, pain, irritation, tiredness or itching
- red, swollen or itchy eyelids
- feeling of something in the eye
- tiredness and weakness
- sleepiness/drowsiness
- headache
- dizziness
- depression
- skin rash
- runny nose
- nasal dryness
- dryness of mouth
- abnormal taste
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe allergic reaction including swelling of tongue, lips and throat
- difficulty breathing
- heart failure
- fast or irregular heart beat
- high blood pressure
Important Warnings
Combigan has several important warnings and contraindications that must be considered before use.
Who Should Not Take Combigan
Do not use if you are allergic to brimonidine tartrate, timolol maleate, or any ingredients; taking monoamine oxidase antidepressant medication; have bronchospasm, bronchial asthma, or history of bronchial asthma or other lung disease; have severe, unstable, or uncontrolled heart condition. Do not use in children younger than 2 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: liver or kidney disease, severe uncontrolled heart disease or poor blood flow to the heart, poor blood flow to the brain, depression, lung disease including asthma, diabetes mellitus or overactive thyroid, low blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, upcoming surgery under general anesthetic, Raynaud’s syndrome, or dizziness when standing up.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Combigan during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Children: Do not use Combigan eye drops in children or adolescents. It is particularly important that the medicine is not used in children under 2 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Several medications may interfere with Combigan or be affected by it. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
- medicines for high blood pressure
- certain medicines to treat depression (monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclics)
- sedative-type medicines, alcohol and antihistamines
- sympathomimetic medicines
- antidiabetic agents
- drugs prescribed for heart problems (isoprenaline, digitalis glycosides, anti-arrhythmics and quinidine)
- drugs used to increase the size of blood vessels (guanethidine)
- medicines used to treat asthma, severe headaches or coughs and colds
Alcohol & Driving
Combigan can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, requiring special precautions.
Alcohol
Combigan may cause drowsiness and this effect can be made worse by drinking alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Wait for your vision to clear after using Combigan before you drive or use machines. Do not drive or operate machines if you feel fatigued or drowsy while using Combigan.
Storage
Store Combigan below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed to avoid contamination and store where young children cannot reach it. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening – write the opening date on the bottle as a reminder.
Overdose Information
If you use too much Combigan, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If accidentally swallowed, phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Combigan works by decreasing fluid production and helping fluid flow out of the eye chamber to lower eye pressure. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure to determine how well the medication is working for you.
Do not use Combigan while wearing soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before applying the drops and wait 15 minutes before replacing them.
If you develop an eye infection, receive an eye injury, or have eye surgery, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may tell you to use a new container of Combigan or may advise you to stop treatment due to possible contamination.
Do not stop using Combigan without checking with your doctor. Your eye pressure can rise again and may cause damage to your eye. Continue using Combigan as instructed even though it helps control but does not cure your condition.
Wash hands, shake bottle gently, tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid to form a pouch, place one drop in the pouch without touching the dropper to your eye, close eye for 2 minutes while pressing the inside corner against your nose, then replace the cap.
If Combigan is accidentally swallowed, phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department immediately, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
The medication information does not specify age restrictions for elderly patients, but it’s important to discuss all medical conditions with your doctor, especially if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, or other conditions common in older adults.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.