COMBIGAN (BRIMONIDINE/TIMOLOL)

Combigan Description

Combigan is an ophthalmic solution that combines two medications: Brimonidine and Timolol. Combigan eye drops are prescribed to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). Fluid is constantly being formed and drained out of the eye. When this fluid does not drain out of the eye properly, pressure inside the eye increases. Brimonidine reduces the amount of fluid produced by the eye and increases the flow of fluid out of the eye. Timolol is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye. Beta-blockers lower the pressure inside the eye by reducing the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) that is produced in the eye. Reducing pressure in the eyes helps slow optic nerve damage, decreasing the rate of vision loss.

Combigan eye drops are administered through a solution that should be instilled directly into each affected eye. It also sells as a generic, which can be found under the name Brimonidine/Timolol. You will need a prescription from a doctor to purchase Combigan eye drops. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Combigan

Combigan is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, which cause sight-robbing pressure inside of the eye. These conditions tend to develop either because your eyes produce too much internal fluid or because they cannot drain the fluid properly.

Glaucoma is a type of progressive eye damage in which optic nerve cells are damaged by excess fluid pressure in the eyeball. In open-angle glaucoma, the angle in your eye where the iris meets the cornea is as wide and open as it should be, but the eye's drainage canals become clogged over time. This causes an increase in internal eye pressure and subsequent damage to the optic nerve.

Most people who have open-angle glaucoma feel fine and do not notice a change in their vision at first. There are typically no early warning signs or painful symptoms of open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years. Without proper treatment, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Risk factors for developing glaucoma include: being over 40 years old; having high intraocular pressure; myopia (nearsightedness); diabetes; high blood pressure; and a history of an eye injury.

Although it cannot cure glaucoma, Combigan helps reduce the pressure by improving drainage and decreasing fluid production.

Is There a Generic Form of Combigan?

Brimonidine/Timolol, the generic form of Combigan, is available through some online pharmacies. While the non-active ingredients in the brand name and generic form of Combigan may be different, the active medicinal ingredient is the same.

Before You Administer Combigan

You should not use Combigan if you have asthma, COPD, certain heart diseases or conditions. You should provide your doctor with a complete and accurate medical history to determine whether it is safe for you to use Combigan. You should not use Combigan if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, such as Phenelzine or Tranylcypromine.

Combigan Precautions

It is important to provide your doctor with a complete medical history before you start using Combigan. In particular, he/she should know whether you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, as Combigan may not be suitable for individuals with these conditions. Make sure you inform your physician if you have ever experienced any allergic reactions, thyroid issues, or depressive episodes.

Some medications can decrease efficacy and create severe side effects when combined with Combigan. These include certain anti-depressant and blood pressure drugs, and should only be taken as per your doctor’s instructions.

Possible Combigan Side Effects

• Temporarily blurred vision
• Stinging, burning, or itching after application
• Watery or dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness