Combigan
Generic Name: Brimonidine
What is Combigan?
Combigan is an eyedrop used to lower pressure in the eyes of people with glaucoma (open-angle) or ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye).What is the most important information I should know about Combigan?
Even though Combigan is applied externally to the eye, the medication may still be absorbed in the bloodstream and cause serious side effects. Severe respiratory reactions including death due to difficulty breathing have been reported in patients with asthma. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (narrowing of the lungs that makes it hard to breath) should not receive beta-blocking agents. Speak with your doctor before starting Combigan.In patients without a history of cardiac failure, continued use of beta-blocking agents such as timolol over a period of time can, in some cases, lead to cardiac failure. Contact your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort; dilated neck veins; extreme fatigue; irregular breathing; an irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs; weight gain; or wheezing.
Combigan may cause changes in your blood sugar levels, or may cover up signs of low blood sugar. Check with your doctor if you have blood sugar problems or if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.
If you are scheduled to have surgery or dental work, make sure the doctor or dentist knows that you are using Combigan. You may need to stop using this medication several days before having surgery.
Who should not take Combigan?
Do not take this drug if you have heart conditions such as sinus bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, or cardiogenic shock (a complication in which a suddenly weakened heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs); if you have hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland); or if you have asthma or obstructive lung disease. Do not take Combigan if you have had a known allergy to any component of this medication in the past.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Combigan?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Combigan. Also talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart or breathing problems, diabetes, thyrotoxicosis (increased thyroid hormones), muscle weakness, lung problems, a history of allergic reactions, vascular insufficiency (compromised blood flow), depression, or you are scheduled to have surgery.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and children ≥2 years: The recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, given 12 hours apart.
How should I take Combigan?
Wash your hands before using Combigan. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and close your eye for 1-2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, taking care not to touch your eye.If you are using Combigan with another eyedrop, the medicines must be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
What should I avoid while taking Combigan?
Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye, fingers, or any surface as this may contaminate the solution.Contact lenses should be removed prior to using the solution. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after applying Combigan drops.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Combigan?
If Combigan is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Combigan with the following: other beta-blocking eye medications, blood pressure medications including beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, digitalis, reserpine, central nervous system depressants, quinidine, and antidepressants.What are the possible side effects of Combigan?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: eye irritation, discomfort, swelling, itching, conjunctivitis ("pink eye")
Can I receive Combigan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Combigan during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Combigan?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply two doses at once.How should I store Combigan?
Store at room temperature and protect from light.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
