brimonidine tartrate + timolol at a glance
Medicine class
Combination alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and non-selective beta blocker
Usual use
Lowering raised eye pressure when a topical beta blocker alone has been insufficient
Systemic absorption
Some medicine can enter the bloodstream; closing the eye and pressing its inner corner after application can reduce this
Contact lenses
Remove soft lenses before application because the product contains benzalkonium chloride
What is brimonidine tartrate + timolol used for?
This product is licensed to reduce eye pressure in:
Chronic open-angle glaucoma that has responded insufficiently to topical beta blockers
Ocular hypertension that has responded insufficiently to topical beta blockers
How does brimonidine tartrate + timolol work?
Brimonidine reduces aqueous-humour production and increases its drainage. Timolol blocks beta receptors and reduces aqueous-humour production. Together, these actions lower pressure inside the eye.
brimonidine tartrate + timolol preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 2 mg/mL + 5 mg/mL
How to take brimonidine tartrate + timolol
Use only in the eye and follow the prescription label. Wash your hands, remove soft contact lenses and avoid touching the dropper tip against the eye, skin or other surfaces. After application, close the eye and gently press the corner beside the nose to reduce absorption into the bloodstream.
Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting soft contact lenses.
Do not drive or use machinery until blurred vision, drowsiness or dizziness has cleared.
brimonidine tartrate + timolol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Eye redness, burning, stinging, itching or irritation
- Dry, watery or painful eyes
- Blurred or disturbed vision
- Inflamed, itchy, red or swollen eyelids
- Headache, sleepiness or fatigue
- Dry mouth
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Wheezing, bronchospasm or significant breathlessness
- Chest pain, fainting, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, or worsening heart failure
- Persistent eye pain, marked inflammation or sustained deterioration in vision
brimonidine tartrate + timolol in pregnancy
Evidence for this combination in pregnancy is inadequate. It should be used only when clearly necessary and reviewed by the eye specialist or prescriber. If exposure continues near delivery, the newborn may require observation for beta-blocker effects.
brimonidine tartrate + timolol while breastfeeding
The product information says this combination should not be used while breastfeeding because the transfer and effects of brimonidine are uncertain. Specialist or prescriber review is needed before changing treatment.
brimonidine tartrate + timolol interactions
Systemic interactions remain possible despite use in the eye. Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and ophthalmic treatments.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Concomitant use is contraindicated.
Tricyclic antidepressants or mianserin
Concomitant use is contraindicated because these affect noradrenergic transmission.
Systemic or ophthalmic beta blockers
Beta-blockade may be increased, causing excessive slowing of the heart or lowered blood pressure; two topical beta blockers are not recommended.
Common questions about brimonidine tartrate + timolol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is brimonidine tartrate + timolol used for?
It lowers raised pressure in chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension when topical beta-blocker treatment alone has not been sufficient.
Why should I press the corner of my eye after using it?
Pressing beside the nose reduces drainage into the bloodstream, which may reduce systemic side effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.