Brimonidine General Information
Brimonidine is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high fluid pressure in the eye. Lowering high fluid pressure in the eye reduces the risk of vision loss, nerve damage, or blindness. Brimonidine lowers pressure by allowing better fluid drainage from within the eye and also by reducing the amount of fluid formed in the eye. It is known as an alpha agonist.
Brimonidine is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age due to an increased risk of serious side effects such as very slowed breathing. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.
How to Use Brimonidine
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using Brimonidine. After applying Brimonidine, wait at least 15 minutes before putting in your contact lens.
Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and insert one drop, usually three times daily, or as directed by your doctor. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed by your doctor.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying the other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
It is important to continue Brimonidine even if you do not have any symptoms. Use Brimonidine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Do not stop using Brimonidine without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.
Brimonidine Possible Side Effects
Eye discomfort/itching/redness, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth, drowsiness, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Brimonidine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Brimonidine do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeats, persistent headache, eye pain/burning/swelling, extreme sensitivity to light, vision changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, slow/irregular heartbeats.
A very serious allergic reaction to Brimonidine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Brimonidine Precautions
Before using Brimonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to apraclonidine; or if you have any other allergies. Brimonidine may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Brimonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel diseases (thromboangiitis obliterans), blood circulation disorders (cerebral or coronary insufficiency), depression, severe heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, Raynaud's disease, low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).
Brimonidine may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using Brimonidine in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially drowsiness. See also Uses section.
Brimonidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if Brimonidine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Brimonidine Possible Intercations
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Brimonidine include: beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, timolol eye drops), digoxin, high blood pressure medications (e.g., clonidine, terazosin), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), medicine for sleep (e.g., zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tranquilizers.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.