Combigan Eye Drops⁚ A Guide for Patients
Introduction
Combigan is a prescription eye drop medication used to treat high pressure inside the eye‚ a condition known as ocular hypertension or glaucoma. It contains two active ingredients⁚ brimonidine and timolol‚ which work together to lower eye pressure and prevent vision loss.
How Combigan Works
Combigan works by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye and improving the outflow of fluid from the eye. This dual action effectively lowers intraocular pressure‚ protecting the optic nerve from damage.
Administration and Dosage
Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of Combigan. The typical dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily‚ approximately 12 hours apart. Here’s a step-by-step guide⁚
1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eye drops.
2. Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
3. Hold the dropper close to your eye without touching the tip to your eye or any other surface.
4. Squeeze one drop into the pouch created by your lower eyelid.
5. Close your eye gently and apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of your eye with your finger for about 1 minute. This helps prevent the medication from draining into your tear duct.
6. Wipe away any excess liquid with a clean tissue.
7. Repeat the process for the other eye if necessary.
8. Wash your hands again to remove any medication residue.
Possible Side Effects
Combigan‚ like any medication‚ can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary‚ but it is essential to be aware of them. Common side effects include⁚
- Eye irritation⁚ Burning‚ stinging‚ itching‚ redness‚ or a feeling of something in your eye
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Cough
- Sore throat
These side effects usually improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication; However‚ if you experience any of the following serious side effects‚ contact your doctor immediately⁚
* Changes in vision
* Eye pain
* Severe eye irritation
* Shortness of breath
* Swelling in the arms or legs
* Slow heartbeat
* Irregular heartbeat
* Chest pain
* Fainting
* Muscle weakness
Important Considerations and Precautions
* Inform your doctor of any allergies you have before using Combigan.
* Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking‚ including over-the-counter drugs‚ vitamins‚ and supplements‚ as they may interact with Combigan.
* If you wear contact lenses‚ remove them before applying Combigan and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
* Combigan may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
* Use Combigan only as directed by your doctor. Do not stop using the medication without consulting your doctor‚ even if you feel better.
* Store Combigan at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Conclusion
Combigan is an effective treatment for lowering intraocular pressure and preventing vision loss in individuals with ocular hypertension or glaucoma. By understanding how the medication works‚ its potential side effects‚ and important precautions‚ you can use Combigan safely and effectively to maintain your eye health and vision. Remember to always consult your doctor for personalized advice and guidance regarding your specific condition and treatment plan.