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Combigan Side Effects

Generic name: brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 19, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Combigan.

Applies to brimonidine/timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution Side Effects associated with brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Combigan.

Applies to brimonidine/timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your the progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

If itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of eye or eyelid irritation occur, stop using this medicine and check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you are allergic to this medicine.

This medicine may cause heart failure in some patients. Check with 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.

This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up signs of low blood sugar, such as a rapid pulse rate. Check with your doctor if you have these problems or if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems that may last for several minutes after you put them in your eye. If any of these occur, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well. If these eye changes are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Combigan

Along with its needed effects, brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic:

More common side effects

  • burning, dry, or itching eyes
  • discharge or excessive tearing
  • redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  • stinging in the eyes
  • tiny bumps on lining of the eyelid

Less common side effects

  • blurred or loss of vision
  • disturbed color perception
  • dizziness
  • double vision
  • feeling of having something in the eye
  • halos around lights
  • headache
  • nervousness
  • night blindness
  • pounding in the ears
  • sensitivity of the eyes to light
  • slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
  • tunnel vision
  • watery eyes

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Combigan

Some side effects of brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

  • dry mouth
  • feeling sad or empty
  • irritability
  • lack of appetite
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The commonly reported side effects were allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival folliculosis, conjunctival hyperemia, eye pruritus, ocular burning, and stinging.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Gastrointestinal

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Immunologic

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Nervous system

Timolol:

Psychiatric

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Respiratory

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Genitourinary

Timolol:

Ocular

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Musculoskeletal

Timolol:

Other

Timolol:

Dermatologic

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

Hepatic

Metabolic

Brimonidine:

Timolol:

See also:

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. (2007) "Product Information. Combigan (brimonidine-timolol ophthalmic)." Allergan Inc

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Combigan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.