Brimtim (Drops) Instructions for Use

Marketing Authorization Holder

Sentiss Pharma, Pvt. Ltd. (India)

ATC Code

S01ED51 (Timolol in combination with other drugs)

Active Substances

Timolol (Rec.INN registered by WHO)

Brimonidine (Rec.INN registered by WHO)

Dosage Form

Brimtim

Eye drops 2 mg/ml+5 mg/ml

Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition

Eye drops

5 ml – bottles – carton packs – By prescription

Clinical-Pharmacological Group

Antiglaucoma drug

Pharmacotherapeutic Group

Drugs used in ophthalmology; antiglaucoma drugs and miotic agents; beta-adrenergic blockers

Pharmacological Action

A combined medicinal product for use in ophthalmology.

Brimonidine is an α-adrenoreceptor agonist. It has 1000 times greater selectivity for α₂-adrenoreceptors compared to α₁-adrenoreceptors. This selectivity is expressed in the absence of mydriasis and vasoconstriction of the microcirculatory bed vessels. The hypotensive effect of brimonidine is provided by reducing the production of intraocular fluid and increasing its outflow through the uveoscleral pathway.

Timolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker, devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic and membrane-stabilizing activity. Timolol reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by decreasing the production of intraocular fluid. The exact mechanism of action is not established; it may be associated with the inhibition of cAMP synthesis and is caused by endogenous stimulation of β-adrenoreceptors.

Both active substances reduce IOP through combined interaction, leading to a significantly more pronounced hypotensive effect compared to the effect of each component separately.

Pharmacokinetics

The mean C_max values in plasma for brimonidine and timolol after application of this combination were 0.0327 and 0.406 ng/ml, respectively.

Brimonidine

Brimonidine undergoes minimal metabolism in the eye tissues. Plasma protein binding is about 29%. The T_1/2 of brimonidine after topical application averages about 3 hours. The main part of brimonidine (about 74% of the dose absorbed into the systemic circulation) is excreted by the kidneys as metabolites within 5 days; the unchanged substance was not detected in the urine. In vitro studies on animal and human liver cells have shown that aldehyde oxidase and cytochrome P450 isoenzymes are significantly involved in the metabolism process. Therefore, systemic elimination is determined primarily by the metabolism of brimonidine in the liver.

Timolol

80% of timolol with topical application enters the systemic circulation through absorption via the conjunctival vessels, nasal mucosa, and lacrimal tract. The C_max of timolol in the aqueous humor of the eye is reached in 1-2 hours. The T_1/2 of timolol in blood plasma is about 7 hours. Timolol binds slightly to plasma proteins. Timolol is partially metabolized in the liver; the active substance and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys.

Indications

Open-angle glaucoma; ocular hypertension (with insufficient effectiveness of local therapy with beta-blockers).

ICD codes

Dosage Regimen

Instill one drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) two times daily approximately 12 hours apart.

Do not exceed the recommended twice-daily dosage. More frequent administration may reduce the intraocular pressure-lowering effect.

Wash hands thoroughly before use. To avoid contamination, do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, including the eye or fingers.

If using other topical ophthalmic medications, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Apply eye ointments last.

After instillation, close eyelids and apply gentle pressure with a finger to the lacrimal sac (at the inner corner of the eye) for 1-2 minutes. This reduces systemic absorption.

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

Use the minimum effective dose to control intraocular pressure. Regularly monitor intraocular pressure to assess therapeutic response.

Do not discontinue therapy abruptly without consulting a physician, as this may cause a rebound increase in pressure.

Adverse Reactions

From the organ of vision: very often – conjunctival hyperemia, burning sensation; often – acute burning or stinging pain, allergic conjunctivitis, corneal erosion, superficial keratitis, eyelid skin itching, conjunctival folliculosis, visual impairment, blepharitis, epiphora, eye mucous membrane dryness, eye discharge, pain, eye mucous membrane irritation, foreign body sensation; infrequently – decreased visual acuity, conjunctival edema, follicular conjunctivitis, allergic blepharitis, conjunctivitis, vitreous floaters, asthenopia, photophobia, hypertrophy of the eye papillary muscles, eyelid tenderness, conjunctival pallor, corneal edema, corneal infiltrates, vitreous detachment; possibly – iridocyclitis, miosis, decreased corneal sensitivity, diplopia, ptosis, choroidal rupture (after filtering surgery), refraction changes (due to withdrawal of miotic therapy in some cases).

Mental disorders: often – depression; possibly – insomnia, nightmares, decreased libido.

From the nervous system: often – drowsiness, headache; infrequently – dizziness, syncope; possibly – memory loss, worsening of myasthenia symptoms, paresthesia, cerebral ischemia.

From the cardiovascular system: often – increased BP; infrequently – congestive heart failure, palpitations; frequency unknown – arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia, decreased BP; possible complete heart block, cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident, intermittent claudication, Raynaud’s syndrome, cold extremities.

From the respiratory system: infrequently – rhinitis, nasal mucous membrane dryness; possibly – inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, dyspnea; possibly – bronchospasm (mainly in patients with a history of bronchospastic diseases), dyspnea, cough, respiratory failure.

From the digestive system: often – dry mouth; infrequently – taste perversion; possible dyspepsia.

From the organ of hearing: possibly – tinnitus.

From the skin and subcutaneous tissue: often – eyelid edema, eyelid skin itching, eyelid skin redness; infrequently – allergic contact dermatitis.

Other: often – asthenic conditions; possibly – peripheral edema, Peyronie’s disease, chest pain, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Laboratory parameters: often – increased liver enzyme activity.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the combination; increased respiratory tract reactivity, including bronchial asthma and episodes of bronchospasm, incl. in history, severe COPD; sinus bradycardia, AV block II-III degree without an implanted artificial pacemaker, heart failure, cardiogenic shock; concomitant therapy with MAO inhibitors, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (incl. mianserin); children and adolescents under 18 years of age; breastfeeding period.

With caution

Renal/hepatic insufficiency (use of the drug is insufficiently studied in this group of patients); depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, obliterative thromboangiitis; severe unstable cardiovascular diseases; diabetes mellitus, episodes of hypoglycemia (in the absence of therapy); pheochromocytoma (without prior treatment); metabolic acidosis; simultaneous use of radiocontrast agents; IV administration of lidocaine, calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) due to the risk of AV conduction depression, bradycardia, heart failure and decreased BP; simultaneous prescription or change in the dose of drugs from the groups of adrenomimetics (isoprenaline) and adrenoblockers (prazosin), as well as other agents affecting adrenergic transmission – due to their possible interaction with the active components of the combination or changes in their therapeutic potential.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

There are no data on the use of brimonidine in pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated reproductive toxicity at high doses of brimonidine that had toxic effects on the mother. The degree of risk to humans has not been established.

Animal studies have established reproductive toxicity of timolol when used in doses significantly exceeding those recommended for clinical use. Epidemiological studies have not revealed congenital malformations of the fetus, but the risk of intrauterine growth retardation with oral intake of beta-blocker drugs is known. In addition, symptoms characteristic of the beta-blocker group (bradycardia, decreased BP, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia) were observed in newborns in cases where beta-blockers were used by the mother until delivery.

Contraindicated during breastfeeding.

Use in Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution in hepatic insufficiency.

Use in Renal Impairment

Use with caution in renal insufficiency.

Pediatric Use

Contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Prescribed for adults, including elderly patients.

Special Precautions

Systemic absorption of the combination components is possible.

If allergic reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued.

In patients with severe renal impairment on hemodialysis, treatment with timolol is accompanied by a pronounced decrease in BP.

Against the background of taking a drug from the beta-blocker group, patients with agonistic manifestations and severe anaphylactic reactions to various allergens in history may have reduced or no effectiveness from the administration of epinephrine in usually used doses. Beta-blockers can also mask the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and worsen the course of Prinzmetal’s angina, vascular diseases, both peripheral and central, as well as arterial hypotension.

Signs indicating acute hypoglycemia, in particular, tachycardia, palpitations, and sweating, may be masked during therapy with beta-blockers.

If it is necessary to discontinue therapy with this combination, as well as when treating cardiovascular diseases with systemic beta-blockers, therapy should be withdrawn gradually to avoid the development of cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and/or sudden death, the risk of which increases with abrupt withdrawal of drugs in this group.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms

The Brimonidine + Timolol combination has a slight effect on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms. Against the background of treatment, transient visual impairment (blurring), episodes of weakness and drowsiness may develop, which may adversely affect if the patient’s work is associated with potentially hazardous activities. If these symptoms occur, one should refrain from potentially hazardous activities requiring high concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Drug Interactions

The possibility of enhancing the effect of drugs that depress the CNS (alcohol, barbiturates, opiate derivatives, sedatives, general anesthetics) with simultaneous use with this combination should be considered.

Timolol may exacerbate compensatory tachycardia and increase the risk of a pronounced decrease in BP when used with general anesthetics. The anesthesiologist must be warned about the use of this drug before the upcoming operation.

With simultaneous use of timolol and epinephrine, mydriasis may develop.

Beta-blockers may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of hypoglycemic drugs. They may also mask hypoglycemia.

The hypertensive reaction to the sudden withdrawal of clonidine may be enhanced against the background of the use of a beta-blocker.

Enhancement of the hypotensive effect (e.g., decreased heart rate) when using timolol together with quinidine is possible, since quinidine slows down the metabolism of timolol via the CYP2D6 isoenzyme.

Cimetidine, hydralazine, ethanol may increase the plasma concentration of timolol.

Medicines that affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating catecholamines, such as chlorpromazine, methylphenidate, reserpine, should be used with caution. Concomitant use of MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. In patients who have received MAO inhibitors, the use of this combination is possible no earlier than 14 days after discontinuation of the MAO inhibitor.

There have been reports of potentiation of the effects of the combined use of eye drops containing Timolol and orally taken calcium channel blockers, guanethidine or beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, cardiac glycosides or parasympathomimetics, which was manifested by a pronounced decrease in BP and/or severe bradycardia. After the use of brimonidine, in very rare cases (<1/10000), a decrease in BP has been reported. Therefore, this combination must be used with caution together with drugs that have a systemic hypotensive effect.

Storage Conditions

Store at 2°C (36°F) to 25°C (77°F). Keep in original packaging, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Dispensing Status

Rx Only

Important Safety Information

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. Dosage and side effects may vary. Use only as prescribed.