Brimonidine+timolol
About Brimonidine+timolol
Brimonidine+timolol is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eyes). Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged.
Brimonidine+timolol is a combination of two medicines, namely Brimonidine and Timolol. Brimonidine narrows the blood vessels in the eye and reduces fluid in the eye. Timolol lowers eye pressure by reducing fluid (aqueous humour) made in the eye.
In some cases, Brimonidine+timolol may cause certain common side effects such as itching, stinging sensation, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, redness, blurred vision, tiredness, drowsiness, headache, and dryness in the mouth. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
You should not use Brimonidine+timolol without consulting your doctor if you have an eye infection or allergies. It is not recommended to use Brimonidine+timolol during breastfeeding since Timolol can pass into breast milk. Check with your doctor before using Brimonidine+timolol if you are pregnant or taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines.
Uses of Brimonidine+timolol
Medicinal Benefits
- Brimonidine+timolol effectively treats open-angle glaucoma and (ocular hypertension) high pressure in the eyes.
- Brimonidine is a sympathomimetic drug, an agent that mimics the responses of sympathetic nerves. It acts by narrowing the blood vessels that reduce the flow of aqueous humour.
- Timolol belongs to a class of anti-hypertensive drugs called 'beta-blockers' primarily used to treat increased pressure in the eye. It decreases the secretion of aqueous humour by the ciliary body in the eye, thereby causing a decrease in eye pressure.
- Protects the optic nerve from damage.
- Supports healthy eye function by controlling eye pressure.
- Improve overall visual comfort by reducing eye strain from high pressure.
Directions for Use
- It is advised to use Brimonidine+timolol twice daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops as advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Avoid touching the tip of the container to prevent contamination. Replace the cap tightly after use.
Storage
Side Effects of Brimonidine+timolol
- Itching
- Stinging sensation
- Foreign body sensation
- Burning sensation in the eye
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dryness in the mouth.
Drug Warnings
- Before taking Brimonidine+timolol, let your doctor know if have a history of eye infection, allergies, closed-angle glaucoma, thyroid diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart, liver and kidney diseases, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, depression, Raynaud's phenomenon (numbness in various parts of the body), and slow heartbeats that make you faint.
- Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or are a breastfeeding mother.
- Brimonidine+timolol can cause blurry vision; hence, drive or operate machinery only if you can see things clearly.
- It is better to avoid alcohol while being treated with Brimonidine+timolol.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Brimonidine+timolol may interact with respiratory drugs (fluticasone, salmeterol), fluid retention medications (furosemide), seizure medications (pregabalin), anxiety medications (alprazolam), blood pressure medications (clonidine), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine), antipsychotics (isocarboxazid, selegiline), and antidiabetics.
Drug-Food Interaction: The absorption of Brimonidine+timolol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. In such cases, consumption of alcohol increases the risk. Hence, avoid or limit the intake of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of closed-angle glaucoma, thyroid diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart, liver and kidney diseases, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, depression, and Raynaud's phenomenon before taking Brimonidine+timolol.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorInteraction of alcohol with Brimonidine+timolol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Brimonidine+timolol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorInform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant before starting Brimonidine+timolol.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is not recommended to use Brimonidine+timolol during breastfeeding since Timolol can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before starting Brimonidine+timolol.
Driving
cautionBrimonidine+timolol may cause side effects like blurry vision which could affect your ability to drive. Do not drive or operate machinery in such cases. Drive only when you are alert and have a clear vision.
Liver
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Brimonidine+timolol.
Kidney
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Brimonidine+timolol.
Children
cautionThe dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending upon the condition of the children's disease and age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes.
- Avoid sharing eye makeup, such as eyeliner, mascara or kohl.
- Always use clean towels or tissues to wipe your eyes and face.
- Try to maintain good hygiene to keep your eyes clean and irritant-free.
- If you wear contact lenses, clean and replace them more often. Never share contact lenses. Always remember to wash your hands before using and removing the contact lens.
- Avoid staring at the digital screens for longer durations. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early.
Open-angle glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is a lifelong condition and the most common type of glaucoma. It is caused by the clogging of the drainage angle between the iris and cornea, which leads to the blockage of eye fluid and increases eye pressure.
Ocular hypertension: Ocular hypertension is the build-up of pressure in the eye, caused by poor drainage of the aqueous humour (fluid inside the eye that maintains normal pressure).
FAQs
Brimonidine+timolol is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eyes).
Brimonidine+timolol consists of Brimonidine and Timolol. Brimonidine acts by narrowing the blood vessels that reduce the flow of aqueous humour. Timolol decreases the secretion of aqueous humour by the ciliary body in the eye, thereby causing a decrease in eye pressure. Thus, Brimonidine+timolol treats open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
If you use other eye ointments/drops along with Brimonidine+timolol, it is advised to maintain a gap of at least 5-10 minutes after each administration. Also, use eye drops before applying any ointments.
Brimonidine+timolol may cause blurry vision for some time in the beginning. Avoid driving and operating machinery in such cases until you feel better. If the effect persists longer, seek medical attention.
Apply the drops as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops as advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
Do not discontinue Brimonidine+timolol without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectively, keep taking Brimonidine+timolol for the prescribed duration.
Store Brimonidine+timolol at room temperature, in a dry place. Do not freeze and protect from light. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Brimonidine+timolol is contraindicated in people who are allergic to any of its components, those with asthma, severe chronic obstructive bronchitis, heart problems (such as low heart rate, heart failure, or heartbeat disorders), and those taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or certain other antidepressant drugs.
Side effects of Brimonidine+timolol include itching, stinging sensation, foreign body sensation in the eye, burning sensation in the eye, redness, blurred vision, tiredness, drowsiness, headache, and dryness in the mouth. Consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
