A-Z Indexes Food Health Guides
Health News |
Brimonidine-TimololPronounced"bry-MOW-nih-deen/TIE-moh-lohl" Common brand names:Combigan UsesThis combination medication is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (such as ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness. This product contains brimonidine and timolol. These medications are used together when 1 drug is not controlling the pressure inside the eye. Brimonidine works by allowing better fluid drainage from within the eye and also by decreasing the amount of fluid formed in the eye. It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. Timolol is thought to work by decreasing the amount of fluid formed in the eye. Timolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. This medication is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years old due to an increased risk of serious side effects. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for more details. How to Use This MedicationRead the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times daily (12 hours apart). The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before putting in your contact lenses. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop in the pouch. Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not feel sick. |