Health Library

Brimonidine/timolol (Into the eye)

Brimonidine Tartrate (bri-MOE-ni-deen TAR-trate), Timolol Maleate (TIM-oh-lol MAL-ee-ate)

Treats increased eye pressure from glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Brand Name(s):

Combigan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Remove your contact lenses before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contact lenses back in.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Wait 5 or 10 minutes after you use this medicine before you use any other medicine in your eyes.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how brimonidine/timolol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • An MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
  • An SSRI or tricyclic antidepressant
  • Blood pressure medicine, such as amlodipine, atenolol, clonidine, diltiazem, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, olmesartan, propranolol, verapamil
  • Digoxin
  • Quinidine
  • Reserpine
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a blood vessel disorder, depression, diabetes, heart disease, low blood pressure, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, overactive thyroid, or a history of stroke or allergies. Tell your doctor if you have had eye surgery.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• Burning, dryness, itching, or stinging in the eyes
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Eye redness, pain, swelling of your eye or eyelid, sensitivity to light
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024