Combigan Eye Drop 5 Ml

COMBIGAN EYE DROP 5 ML

COMBIGAN EYE DROP 5 ML is an ophthalmic solution by Allergan India Pvt. Ltd., designed to reduce elevated intraocular pressure.

Name

• Brand Name: COMBIGAN EYE DROP 5 ML
• Common Name: Brimonidine tartrate / Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution

Composition

Each mL of COMBIGAN eye drops contains:

• Brimonidine tartrate 2.0 mg/mL (0.2%)
• Timolol maleate 5.0 mg/mL (0.5%) (equivalent to 5 mg/mL timolol)
• Contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative

Uses

COMBIGAN eye drops are indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye)

It is used when monotherapy is not adequately effective or when adjunctive or replacement therapy is required.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

• If using more than one topical ophthalmic product, instill other eye drops at least 5 to 10 minutes apart from COMBIGAN.
• Remove soft contact lenses before administration and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can be absorbed by the lenses.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any surface to prevent contamination.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Eye itching, burning, or stinging
• Eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia)
• Eye dryness or irritation
• Eyelid swelling, inflammation, or itching
• Blurred vision or visual disturbance
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness or fatigue

Serious side effects (Seek immediate medical attention):

• Severe allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat)
• Heart problems (slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, heart failure, chest pain, dizziness)
• Breathing difficulties (shortness of breath, bronchospasm)
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
• Muscle weakness (e.g., droopy eyelids, double vision)
• Depression

Precautions

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of heart failure, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other respiratory issues, as timolol can be absorbed systemically and worsen these conditions.
• Diabetes: Timolol may mask the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels in diabetic patients; regular blood sugar monitoring is essential.
• Thyroid Conditions: May mask signs of hyperthyroidism.
• Allergies: Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions may experience increased reactivity to allergens.
• Pediatric Use: Contraindicated in infants under 2 years of age; generally not recommended for children and adolescents (2 to 17 years) due to established safety and effectiveness concerns.
• Contact Lenses: Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause drowsiness, tiredness, or blurred vision; exercise caution with activities requiring mental alertness until effects are known.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, including other eye drops, as interactions can occur. Specific caution is advised with oral beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, anti-hypertensives, cardiac glycosides, and MAO inhibitors.

Storage

Store COMBIGAN eye drops at room temperature, ideally between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 77°F), in a tightly sealed container away from light. Do not refrigerate. Discard any remaining solution four weeks (28 days) after opening the bottle to avoid bacterial contamination and potential eye infections.

Here are frequently asked questions about Combigan Eye Drop 5 mL:

What is Combigan Eye Drop used for?

Combigan Eye Drop is primarily used to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions are characterized by high pressure inside the eye, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and gradual vision loss if left untreated.

How does Combigan Eye Drop work?

Combigan Eye Drop contains two active ingredients: brimonidine tartrate and timolol. Brimonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that works by reducing the production of aqueous humor (fluid in the eye) and increasing its outflow. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that also reduces the production of aqueous humor. The combination of these two drugs provides a greater reduction in eye pressure than either drug alone.

What is the usual dosage of Combigan Eye Drop?

The typical dosage for Combigan Eye Drop is one drop into the affected eye(s) twice per day, ideally spaced approximately 12 hours apart. It is crucial not to change the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Combigan Eye Drop?

Common side effects of Combigan Eye Drop can include burning, stinging, itching, dryness, and redness of the eyes. Other potential side effects may include eyelid swelling, irritation, discharge, excessive tearing, blurred vision, drowsiness, and tiredness. More serious, though less common, side effects can involve the heart (e.g., low blood pressure, heart failure, increased blood pressure) or breathing problems. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or any signs of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Combigan Eye Drop safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Combigan Eye Drop should generally not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the baby. Timolol, one of the active ingredients, may be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as it may be harmful to the baby. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Combigan Eye Drop be taken with other medications?

Combigan Eye Drop can interact with several other medications, including those for high blood pressure, certain antidepressants (such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclics), sedative-type medicines, alcohol, antihistamines, antidiabetic agents, and some heart medications (e.g., beta-blockers, digoxin). If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between applying Combigan and the other product. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken when using Combigan Eye Drop?

Remove soft contact lenses before applying Combigan Eye Drop, as the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can be absorbed by the lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting your contact lenses. Combigan may cause blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness in some individuals. Therefore, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Inform your doctor if you have underlying medical conditions such as heart disease (including heart failure or low blood pressure), lung disease (like asthma or severe COPD), depression, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, or a history of allergies. Combigan is not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Combigan Eye Drop, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (approximately 12 hours after the last dose), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. It's best to consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice if you miss a dose.

How should it be stored?

Combigan Eye Drop should be stored in a cool place, typically below 25°C (77°F), and protected from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not leave the lid off for extended periods to avoid contamination. Discard any remaining solution four weeks after opening the bottle, as the preservative's effectiveness may diminish, increasing the risk of contamination and eye infection.