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Compare Timolol vs. Combigan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Timolol and Combigan (brimonidine/timolol) are both eye drop medications used to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Timolol is a beta blocker that works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye. Combigan, on the other hand, is a combination of two medications: timolol and brimonidine, an alpha agonist that works by reducing fluid production and improving fluid draining in the eye. Both are available in brand and generic forms. Both medications are typically used twice a day, but Combigan may have more side effects due to its combination of active ingredients. Additionally, while both medications can affect blood pressure and heart rate, Combigan has a higher risk of causing these issues.

  • Timolol
    Combigan (brimonidine / timolol)
  • Timolol
    Combigan (brimonidine / timolol)

  • Summary of Timolol vs. Combigan

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Timolol is an eye drop medication that's used to lower pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma. This medication belongs to the drug class called beta blockers. Timolol can be used by itself or together with other eye drops. The usual dosage is a drop of timolol into the eye(s) once or twice a day. Common side effects include burning or stinging after you put in the eye drops, but this is generally a temporary feeling. Although the brand name Timoptic was discontinued, the generic version is still available.

    Summary for Alpha agonist / Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Combigan is a combination eye drop containing brimonidine (an alpha agonist) and timolol (a beta blocker). It's used to lower high pressure inside the eye in adults with conditions like glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Typically, you apply one drop to the affected eye(s) twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include eye redness, itching, or dryness. Combigan (brimonidine / timolol) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Timolol vs. Combigan

    Indications for
    •High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)
    Indications for

    Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with:

    •Ocular hypertension
    •Open-angle glaucoma

  • Pros and Cons of Timolol vs. Combigan

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Works well to treat high eye pressure
    •Usually only need to take once or twice daily
    •Lower-cost generic version available
    Cons
    •Can cause some burning and stinging in the eye
    •Shouldn't use if you have asthma or other lung problems
    •Shouldn't take if you have uncontrolled heart failure, second- or third-degree heart block, or sinus bradycardia (a chronically low heart rate)
    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist / Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Convenient to have a single eye drop that combines two different medications
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    •Possible option for children older than 2 years old
    Cons
    •Used twice a day
    •Can cause tiredness or drowsiness in some people
    •Not for people with asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or certain heart-related problems

  • Common Side Effects of Timolol vs. Combigan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning or stinging in the eye after using
    Common Side Effects for

    Reported in up to 15% of people in clinical studies:

    •Eye redness
    •Eye itching
    •Eye burning or stinging

  • Warnings of Timolol vs. Combigan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk for heart failure
    •Not recommended for people with breathing problems
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Worsening of myasthenia gravis
    Common Side Effects for
    •Only use in the eye
    •Allergic reaction of the eye
    •Interaction with inhaled beta agonists for asthma or COPD
    •Worsening heart problems
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    •Masked symptoms of low blood sugar in people with diabetes
    •Masked symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism)

  • Prices with our coupons for Timolol vs. Combigan

    Learn more about Timolol
    Learn more about Combigan

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