What Is Brimonidine Ophthalmic?
Brimonidine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).
Brimonidine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Brimonidine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
You should not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.
To make sure brimonidine ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, history of stroke or blood clot;
- low blood pressure, circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome);
- depression;
- any allergies; or
- a history of glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eye.
FDA pregnancy category B. Brimonidine ophthalmic is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether brimonidine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Brimonidine Ophthalmic Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye pain or increased watering; or
- severe swelling, redness, burning, or discomfort in or around your eye.
- drowsiness, tired feeling;
- dry mouth, blurred vision;
- mild itching, redness, or irritation of your eyes; or
- mild stinging or burning when using the eye drops.
Brimonidine Ophthalmic Interactions
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Using brimonidine ophthalmic with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before using brimonidine ophthalmic with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with brimonidine ophthalmic, especially:
- digoxin, digitalis;
- an antidepressant--amitriptyline, bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, duloxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine;
- an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; or
- heart or blood pressure medicine--amlodipine, diltiazem, methyldopa, nifedipine, quinidine, verapamil, and others.
Brimonidine Ophthalmic Dosage
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
- Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
An overdose of brimonidine ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Brimonidine Ophthalmic Pictures
