Timolol is available in combination with which two drugs?

Timolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist, is frequently used in the management of elevated intraocular pressure in conditions like glaucoma. It is available in combination formulations to enhance its effectiveness and to improve adherence to therapy by reducing the number of eye drops a patient needs to use.

The correct answer highlights two specific combination products: Cosopt and Combigan. Cosopt is a combination of Timolol and Dorzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. This pairing allows for complementary mechanisms of action—Timolol reduces aqueous humor production through beta-blockade, while Dorzolamide decreases it by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase. Together, they provide a more effective reduction of intraocular pressure than either drug used alone.

Combigan, on the other hand, is a combination of Timolol and Brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Brimonidine also decreases aqueous humor production but additionally increases uveoscleral outflow, providing another complementary mechanism alongside Timolol's action.

Understanding these combinations is crucial for effective glaucoma management, as the synergy between the different classes of medication can lead to more substantial therapeutic outcomes than monotherapy.