Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml

Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml is a combination medicine indicated for lowering elevated intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and results in reduced vision. Ocular hypertension is increased pressure in the eye due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). 
 
Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml contains Brimonidine tartrate (alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists), Timolol (beta-blocker), and Benzalkonium chloride (preservative). Brimonidine tartrate and timolol decrease the production of aqueous humour and increase the amount of fluid that is drained. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Together, Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml helps lower the increased pressure in the eye. 
 
You are advised to use Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as burning sensation, eye redness, itching, irritation, and vision disturbances. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
 
Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml is not recommended for children below 17 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml might cause drowsiness; so, drive only if you are alert. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper as it may contaminate the contents. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.

Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml is a combination of three drugs, namely: Brimonidine tartrate, Timolol, and Benzalkonium chloride. Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml is indicated for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Brimonidine tartrate belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, and Timolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. They work by decreasing the production of aqueous humour and increasing the amount of liquid that is drained. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Together, Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml helps lower the increased pressure in the eye.

Do not use Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have/had bronchial asthma, severe chronic obstructive bronchitis, low heart rate, heartbeat disorder, heart failure, if you are taking anti-depressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Inform your doctor if you have/had coronary heart disease, slow heartbeat, breathing problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, poor blood circulation disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid, tumour of the adrenal gland, corneal disease, excess acidity in the blood, kidney or liver problems. If you are due to have any surgery or eye surgery, inform the doctor/surgeon that you are taking Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml is not recommended for children below 17 years. Combigan Ophthalmic Solution 5 ml might cause drowsiness, blurred vision; so, drive only if you are alert. 

• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Avoid intake of baked foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts or fried items such as french fries and stick margarine as these foods may worsen glaucoma and damage the optic nerve.
• Cut down your coffee intake as it may increase pressure in the eye. Replace coffee with green tea.
• Avoid exercises such as any position where the head is lower than the body, like an inverted yoga pose, as it may increase pressure in the eye. Doing selective exercises is advised for glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Usually, there are no symptoms for glaucoma initially, except the slow loss of vision gradually. However, some symptoms include visible rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights or blurred vision. Rarely, glaucoma can develop suddenly with intense pain in the eye, visual disturbance or nausea.

Ocular hypertension: It is a condition caused due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). This leads to a build-up of excess fluid in the eye resulting in increased pressure inside the eye. If ocular hypertension is not controlled, it may lead to glaucoma.