Combigan ^*

The safety and efficacy of Combigan (brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5%) as a treatment for glaucoma in children have not yet been established. Combigan eye drops should not be used in children aged twelve years or younger. The basic reason is that brimonidine can pass through the blood-brain barrier. This creates the potential to cause CNS toxicity. There have been reports of bradycardia, hypothermia, hypotension, hypotonia, and apnea in infants.

Studies have shown that between five percent and fifteen percent of people treated with brimonidine displayed a gradual change in eye color in the treated eye. This is due to an increased deposit of brown pigment in the iris. The change of color occurs slowly and may only be noticeable after several months or even years.

Combigan has been reported as causing some people to become lightheaded or less alert than they are normally. There can also be side effects of dizziness or drowsiness, with people feeling tired unexpectedly. The advice included in the patient leaflet is to not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until all side effects of this medication are resolved.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but early treatment, such as with Combigan, can often stop the damage and protect vision. Brimonidine can be used safely and reliably to reduce IOP (intra-ocular pressure) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), and it may also reduce the risk of glaucoma progressing regardless of its effects on IOP. Research has shown that unlike an alternative treatment for glaucoma, such as apraclonidine, long-term use of brimonidine does not induce a high incidence of ocular allergy.

It is strongly advised to avoid or strictly limit drinking alcohol while using Combigan. Alcohol while using this medication has been reported to cause dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating and can increase the risk of falling. It can also result in more serious effects, such as central nervous system (CNS) depression,