Skip to main content

Combigan

Generic name: brimonidine and timolol ophthalmicbri-MOE-ni-deen-and-TIM-oh-lol-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

What is Combigan?

Combigan contains a combination of brimonidine and timolol.

Brimonidine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Timolol is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye.

Combigan eye drops are used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).

Combigan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Combigan eye drops if you have a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a serious heart condition such as "AV block," severe heart failure, or slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint.

Combigan should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Combigan eye drops if you are allergic to brimonidine or timolol, or if you have:

To make sure Combigan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Combigan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Timolol and brimonidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not give Combigan to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Combigan?

Use Combigan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Combigan eye drops may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the Combigan eye drops:

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the Combigan eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Combigan is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Combigan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Combigan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Combigan side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Combigan?

Using this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before using Combigan with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Combigan, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Combigan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Combigan only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.