In this Article

• What is brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• What are the possible side effects of brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• How should I use brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Combigan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Combigan)?
• What should I avoid while using brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• What other drugs will affect brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?

Do not use brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to brimonidine (Alphagan) or timolol (Timoptic, Cosopt), or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• heart disease or heart failure;
• slow heartbeats; or
• a heart condition called "AV block."

If you have any other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic:

• depression;
• diabetes;
• overactive thyroid;
• circulation problems, such as Raynaud's syndrome or Buerger's disease;
• a history of fainting or low blood pressure;
• allergies; or
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Brimonidine and timolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic (Combigan)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting your contact lenses in.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• If you use any other eye medications, wait about 5 minutes after using brimonidine eye drops before using the other medication.
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection. If you have any type of surgery, including eye surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using brimonidine and timolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.