Combigan ratings & reviews

Brimonidine, Timolol Maleate
Company: Allergan
Brand: Combigan
Drug class: Sensory Organs
+3 more
Sensory Organs, Ophthalmologicals, Miotics and Antiglaucoma Agents, Beta-blockers, Ophthalmic, Combination

Sermo AI Overview

  • Combigan is generally regarded as effective for managing both ocular hypertension and glaucoma, receiving high efficacy ratings from physicians. Its twice-daily dosing is noted to improve patient adherence significantly.
  • Patient experiences with Combigan indicate some concerns regarding side effects from its beta blocker component, Timolol, which may negatively affect quality of life, alongside issues with cost and insurance coverage for the medication.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Combigan contains the active ingredients brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate, which serve as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor, respectively. It is formulated as a sterile ophthalmic solution with concentrations of 0.2% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol maleate. This solution is intended to lower intraocular pressure when applied topically to the eyes. Key inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride, sodium phosphate, and purified water.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze one drop into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Do not blink or rub your eyes. Apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medication more often than directed. If you use other eye medications, they should be used at least 5 minutes before or after this medication. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue -Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision -New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge -Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Change in taste -Dry eyes -Dry mouth -Eye irritation or itching -Headache -Increased tears after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Buerger's disease -Closed-angle glaucoma -Depression -Diabetes -Eye infection or damage -Heart disease -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Lung disease like asthma or emphysema -Raynaud's phenomenon -Thyroid disease -Wear contact lenses -An unusual or allergic reaction to brimonidine, timolol, benzalkonium chloride, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following: -Clonidine -Fluoxetine -MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate -Medications for colds and breathing difficulties -Medications for diabetes -Medications for high blood pressure -Medications for mental problems and psychotic disturbances -Medications to control heart rhythm -Medications that cause drowsiness or tiredness -Paroxetine -Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine, and desipramine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Ask your care team if you should continue to use this medication if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medication if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your care team as soon as you can. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medication in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. Wear dark glasses if this medication makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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