Combigan Eye Drops for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

What Combigan Is and How It Works

Combigan is a prescription combination eye drop used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It blends two medicines in one bottle: brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) and timolol maleate 0.5% (a beta-blocker). This ophthalmic solution is dosed twice daily and is often chosen when a single agent does not control pressure well enough.

Brimonidine reduces aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow. Timolol reduces aqueous humor production. Together, this dual action lowers IOP more than either component alone. Many patients use Combigan to simplify therapy when they would otherwise need two separate drops.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba that meets Canadian pharmacy standards, with prescriptions reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We coordinate sourcing and shipment through vetted partner pharmacies so US customers can order brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices with confidence.

Dosage and Usage

Typical Combigan dosing is one drop in the affected eye(s) every 12 hours. Follow your prescriber’s directions exactly. Do not change the dose or stop without guidance.

• Wash hands. Shake the bottle gently.
• Tilt head back and pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket.
• Hold the bottle above the eye. Avoid touching the tip to the eye or skin.
• Instill one drop. Close the eye gently.
• Press the inner corner of the eye (punctal occlusion) for 1-2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption.
• If using other eye medicines, separate each by at least 5-10 minutes.
• Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.

Missed dose:

• Use it as soon as remembered unless the next dose is near.
• If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not use two doses at once.

Storage:

• Store at room temperature (about 15-25 C/59-77 F).
• Keep the bottle tightly closed. Protect from excess heat and light.
• Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
• Mark the date you open the bottle and discard 28 days after opening unless told otherwise.

Travel tips:

• Carry in your hand luggage. Avoid leaving the bottle in a hot car.
• Keep in the original box to protect from light and for easy identification.
• Pack an extra bottle when possible.

Benefits and Savings

Combigan lowers eye pressure by two complementary mechanisms, which can reduce the risk of optic nerve damage and visual field loss over time. Using a single bottle can simplify routines, cut down on preservative exposure, and may improve adherence compared with two separate eye drops.

Ordering through YouDrugstore is convenient and transparent. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices online, and friendly customer-service chat is available during posted office hours. Many customers report 60-80 % savings versus typical US prices for ophthalmic drops. We also offer reorder reminders and multi-month supplies that can lower the per-month cost.

We work with licensed international partner pharmacies to source authentic brand medications and a broad selection of generics at affordable prices.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects are usually mild and may improve with continued use:

• Eye irritation, stinging, burning, redness, or itching
• Blurred vision or dry eyes
• Dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, or fatigue
• Eyelid redness or allergic conjunctivitis

Less common but serious reactions require prompt medical care:

• Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, fainting, or heart block
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or asthma flare
• Severe eye allergy with marked redness, swelling, or discharge
• Depression, confusion, or severe dizziness

Who should avoid or use with caution:

• History of asthma, severe COPD, or significant breathing problems
• Sinus bradycardia, second/third-degree AV block, or overt cardiac failure
• Use of MAO inhibitors; brimonidine is contraindicated with MAOIs
• Infants and young children; brimonidine is contraindicated in children under 2 years
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician

Drug interactions can occur with systemic beta-blockers, certain calcium channel blockers, digoxin, clonidine-like agents, and MAOIs. Beta-blockers may mask signs of hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism. Always share a full medication list, including eye drops and supplements, with the prescribing clinician.

Onset Time

Combigan begins lowering eye pressure within the first hour for most patients. Peak effect typically occurs within 2-4 hours. The pressure-lowering effect lasts about 12 hours, which aligns with twice-daily dosing. Consistent use as prescribed is key to maintaining stable IOP.

Compare With Alternatives

Prostaglandin analogs are often chosen as first-line therapy. They are once daily at night and have strong IOP-lowering ability with limited systemic effects. Examples include preservative-free latanoprost such as Monoprost and travoprost like Travatan Z. These may be used alone or with Combigan if more pressure reduction is needed.

Other options include carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide or brinzolamide), brimonidine alone, or timolol alone. Monotherapy may suit patients who cannot take beta-blockers or alpha-2 agonists. Your eye specialist will tailor therapy based on target IOP, response, and tolerance.

Combination Therapy

Combigan is often paired with a prostaglandin analog when monotherapy is not enough. This can deliver additive pressure control with a simple regimen. Avoid using other beta-blocker eye drops with Combigan, and be cautious with other alpha-2 agonists. If several topical agents still fail to reach target IOP, clinicians may consider laser trabeculoplasty or surgical options.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need more pressure reduction than a single agent can provide may be candidates for Combigan. It may not suit patients with asthma, severe COPD, slow heart rate, heart block, those taking MAOIs, or very young children. Learn more about these conditions in our guides to Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.

Ways to save on Combigan cost:

• Order a multi-month supply to reduce the per-month price.
• Set up friendly reorder reminders so you do not run out.
• Compare brand and any listed generic brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate.
• Check our current offers; for a combigan discount, visit our promotions page.

For eye health tips and routine care reminders, see our article Healthy Vision Month Protect Your Eyes Today. Consistent follow-up and correct drop technique help protect vision over time.

Authoritative Sources

Review the full US prescribing information on DailyMed: Combigan (brimonidine tartrate; timolol maleate). See the FDA Prescribing Information. For Canadian listings, consult the Health Canada Drug Product Database.

You can order Combigan online at YouDrugstore with a valid prescription. We coordinate fulfillment through licensed partner pharmacies and support prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the US. Our team is here to help with ordering and product questions during posted hours.

Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and read the patient leaflet supplied with the product. Seek medical help if you experience serious or unexpected symptoms.