Did your doctor give you this eye drop because you have high eye pressure or glaucoma? You may be a little confused by the two names. Don't worry. This is a combination of two medications. In this article, we will simply talk about what this medicine is, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What really happens with this medicine?
These eye drops are a combination of two medications called Brimonidine and Timolol . In Sri Lanka, they are available under brand names like `(Combigan)`. They are mainly used for two conditions where the pressure inside the eye increases.
1. Ocular Hypertension: This is when the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal.
2. Open-angle glaucoma: This is also a condition in which the optic nerve, which provides vision, can be damaged by increased eye pressure.
Simply put, the combination of these two medications works by reducing the amount of fluid produced inside your eye and controlling the pressure in your eye. Controlling the pressure in this way can go a long way in preventing damage to your vision.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before prescribing this medication, it is very important that your doctor knows your medical history. Be sure to tell him/her about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, low blood pressure, or blood vessel diseases such as Buerger's disease and Raynaud's phenomenon | The ingredient ``Timolol`` contained in this medicine can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema | Timolol may increase breathing difficulties. |
| Diabetes | This medicine may mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (e.g., increased heart rate). |
| Kidney or Liver disease | These diseases can affect the process of removing medication from the body. |
| Thyroid disease | Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be masked. |
| Depression | Some medications may interact with this eye drop. |
| If you wear contact lenses | To know the correct way to use the medicine. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | To consider the possible effects on the unborn child or nursing infant. |
How do you use this eye drop correctly?
This is an eye drop only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason. The best results can be achieved by using the medicine exactly as directed.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Prepare: Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch. This is easier to do if you are in front of a mirror.
3. Apply the medicine drop: Carefully apply one drop of medicine to the pouch-like area, taking care not to let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, finger, or anywhere else.
4. Close your eye: After applying the medicine, close your eye slowly. Do not blink or rub your eye.
5. The most important step: Now, gently press your finger on the inner corner where your eye and nose meet for about 60 to 90 seconds (a minute, a minute and a half).
Holding it tightly like this will help to reduce the risk of the medicine being absorbed into the eye and the chance of the medicine going down your throat and leaving a strange taste. This is very important.
6. Other Eye Drops: If you are using any other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes after applying this one before applying the other medicine.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if it is used too much?
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Regular checkups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and check your condition.
- If you have an eye injury: If you have an eye injury, an infection, or are planning to have eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue using this medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, do not get up from a sitting or standing position suddenly.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear soft contact lenses, you should remove them when applying the eye drops. It is okay to put your contact lenses back in about 15 minutes after applying the medicine.
- Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugarless gum, sucking on a piece of unsweetened candy, or drinking plenty of water may help. If the problem persists, tell your doctor.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this can cause some side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness. |
| Heart failure signs | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Changes in the eye | New or worsening eye pain, redness, inflammation, or discharge. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor eye irritation or itching | Change in taste in the mouth |
| Dry eyes | Dry mouth |
| Increased tears after taking medication | Headache |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- After applying the medicine to your eye, hold the corner where your eye and nose meet for about a minute.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (especially those for high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression).
- If you experience any serious side effects (such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, severe dizziness), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you wear contact lenses, apply the medicine and leave it in for 15 minutes.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so be careful when driving or doing tasks that require attention.
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