INTRODUCTION ABOUT COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION is a combination of Brimonidine and Timolol which belongs to the group of medicines called an Alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist and Beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitors respectively. COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION is used to reduce the elevated intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension who require adjunctive or replacement therapy due to inadequately managed intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma is a disease which damages the optic nerve (nerve in the back of eye) because of excessive pressure inside the eye and may gradually lead to blindness. Ocular hypertension is a condition when pressure inside the eye rises higher than normal. Such conditions are characterized by halos, pain and blurred vision.

COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION is not recommended for use in patients with reactive airway disease such as bronchial asthma, severe chronic obstructive bronchitis and other severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (group of lung diseases causing difficulty in breathing).

It is also not recommended for use in patients having heart diseases such as sinus bradycardia (a type of slow heartbeat), 2nd or 3rd degree heart block, heart failure or cardiogenic shock. COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney problems.

COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used in pregnant women only if clearly advised by the doctor and it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women and children or adolescents (aged below 17 years).

The common side effects associated with the use of are COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION are eye redness, eye burning, stinging or pain in eyes, small breaks on the eye surface, inflammation in the eyelids and itching in eyes. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

• Controls glaucoma or intraocular pressure

HOW COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION WORKS

COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION helps to lower eye pressure due to glaucoma and intraocular hypertension, where Brimonidine works by allowing better fluid drainage from the eye resulting in reduced pressure in the eye and Timolol works by decreasing the amount of fluid formed in the eye which results in reduced intraocular pressure in the eye thereby managing glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before application, tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down the lower eyelid until there is a small pocket. Turn the bottle upside down and squeeze it to release one drop into each eye that needs management. Release the lower lid and close your eye. Keep the eye closed and press your finger against the corner of your eye for two minutes. If you miss a drop, try again.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION for you depending upon your age and severity of the condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Itchy eyelids:

Clean your eyelids twice a day. Keep a flannel or cotton wool cloth soaked in warm water on your closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. Then gently massage your eyelids for few seconds. Do not use eye make up until the problem is resolved. 

Eye Pain:

Rest your eyes by closing or sleeping. Avoid bright lights, reading, watching the television, and working on the computer. Keep eyes closed and gently massage your eyes for few seconds to relieve the muscles.

Headache:

Take enough rest and have proper sleep. Do not strain your eyes for long durations such as watching screen. Avoid taking alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom persists for long or gets worsened.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before using COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• antihypertensives (medicines used to lower blood pressure) such as calcium antagonists (Ex. amlodipine, diltiazem), catecholamine-depleting drugs (Ex. reserpine)
• quinidine and cardiac glycosides (medicines used to manage heart failure or arrythmia) Ex. digitalis
• beta-blockers (medicines used to manage heart diseases) Ex. atenolol
• CNS depressants (medicines used to lower the brain activity and manage sleeplessness, anxiety or seizures) such as sedatives (Ex. amobarbital, morphine) and anaesthetics (Ex. propofol)
• phenelzine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Ex. fluoxetine, paroxetine (used to manage depression)
• medicines used to manage pain Ex. aspirin
• medicines used to manage diabetes Ex. metformin
• another eye drop used to lower high pressure in the eye (glaucoma) Ex. latanoprost
• medicines to manage severe allergic reactions Ex. chlorpheniramine, cetirizine
• medicines that affect the muscles in your blood vessels Ex. tadalafil
• medicines that affect some of the hormones in your body Ex. adrenaline and dopamine
• medicines used to manage heartburn or stomach ulcers Ex. omeprazole, pantoprazole

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms of COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION are dizziness, headache, bradycardia (slowing of heartbeats), bronchospasm (tightening of airway muscles causing coughing and noisy breathing), cardiac arrest (sudden loss of heart function) or low blood pressure.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION out of reach of children
• Store COMBIGAN OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION at room temperature