Brimonidine; Timolol eye drops

What is this medicine?

BRIMONIDINE; TIMOLOL (bri MOE ni deen; TYE moe lole) is used in the eye to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eyes.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze one drop into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Do not blink or rub your eyes. Apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. If you use other eye medicines, they should be used at least 5 minutes before or after this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bleeding in your eye

• changes in blood sugar

• cold hands or feet

• confusion, hallucinations

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• dizziness or fainting spells

• inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

• skin rash, itching, peeling skin

• slow heart rate

• swelling of the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bitter taste in the mouth

• blurred vision immediately after using the solution

• burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution

• dry mouth

• dry or itchy eyes

• headache

• sensitivity of the eyes to light

• tired

What may interact with this medicine?

• clonidine

• fluoxetine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

• medicines to control heart rhythm

• medicines that cause drowsiness or tiredness

• paroxetine

• tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine, and desipramine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Buerger's disease

• closed-angle glaucoma

• depression

• diabetes

• eye infection or damage

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease like asthma or emphysema

• Raynaud's phenomenon

• thyroid disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to Brimonidine; Timolol, benzalkonium chloride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.