What is Combigan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Combigan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Combigan

Generic Names:

  • Combigan

Uses:

  • Treats increased eye pressure from glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiglaucoma Combination

Forms:

  • Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Combigan used for?

Combigan is a medication used to lower high pressure in the eye due to glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This combination drug contains brimonidine (alpha agonist) and timolol (beta blocker). Combigan works by improving eye fluid drainage and decreasing eye fluid formation. Combigan is a brand version of the combination drug brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate. The components of this medication have been available for years. In the treatment of high eye pressure illnesses, Combigan use is common.

What form(s) does Combigan come in

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Combigan doses?

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.2-0.5%

  • Bottle 10ML of 0.2-0.5%

  • Bottle 15ML of 0.2-0.5%

Common Combigan prescriptions

  • Combigan
    10ml of 0.2-0.5% bottle

  • Combigan
    15ml of 0.2-0.5% bottle

  • Combigan
    5ml of 0.2-0.5% bottle

How to take Combigan

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Remove your contact lenses before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contact lenses back in.

  • Ophthalmic routeShake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Wait 5 or 10 minutes after you use this medicine before you use any other medicine in your eyes.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Remove your contact lenses before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contact lenses back in.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Wait 5 or 10 minutes after you use this medicine before you use any other medicine in your eyes.

  • Ophthalmic routeShake the eye drops well just before each use.

What to do if you miss a dose of Combigan

Combigan contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to brimonidine or timolol, or if you have a history of asthma, slow heartbeat, severe COPD, heart block, or heart failure.

Combigan warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a blood vessel disorder, depression, diabetes, heart disease, low blood pressure, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, overactive thyroid, or a history of stroke or allergies. Tell your doctor if you have had eye surgery.

  • Ophthalmic routeIf you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Trouble breathing

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

Combigan interactions

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how brimonidine/timolol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: An MAO inhibitor (MAOI)An SSRI or tricyclic antidepressantBlood pressure medicine, such as amlodipine, atenolol, clonidine, diltiazem, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, olmesartan, propranolol, verapamilDigoxinQuinidineReserpine

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Combigan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Eye redness, pain, swelling of your eye or eyelid, sensitivity to light

  • Trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Burning, dryness, itching, or stinging in the eyes

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.