Drug information of Brimonidine

Mechanism of effect

Brimonidine is in a class of drugs called alpha adrenergic agonists. Brimonidine works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eyes.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: 2hr (peak effect)
Half-Life: 2 hr
Peak plasma time: 0.5-2.5 hr
Metabolism: Liver
Excretion: urine (74%)

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart
Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle) :
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Drug contraindications

hypersensitivity to drug or its components.

Side effects

Headache , dry mouth , dizziness , Blurred vision , eye itching , difficulty urinating , tiredness , indigestion

Interactions

Linezolid , Phenelzine , isocarboxazid , rasagiline , Tranylcypromine , Drospirenone , Butalbital and Acetaminophen , Fosinopril , Felodipine , Ramipril , Ramelteon , dinutuximab , Rotigotine , Secobarbital , Tolcapone , Temazepam , Treprostinil , Sodium nitrite , Clorazepate , Quazepam , Cariprazine , Opium , ethotoin , Nesiritide

Alerts

• Wait 15 min before inserting soft contact lenses.
• Use caution in severe cardiovascular disease, cerebral insufficiency, depression, hepatic impairment, orthostatic hypotension, renal impairment, thromboangiitis obliterans.
• May cause CNS depression, which may impair mental abilities.
• Children are at higher risk of adverse effects.
• Bradycardia, hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension) and dizziness reported.
• Avoid applying topical gel to skin or open wounds.
• Some patients have experienced erythema involving areas of face that were previously not affected by erythema and in areas (e.g., neck and chest) outside of treatment sites.
• Some patients have experienced increased frequency of flushing and/or increased depth of erythema with flushing; some patients reported new onset of flushing .
• Some patients have experienced pallor or excessive whitening at or outside application site following therapy.
• Allergic contact dermatitis was reported for topical gel .
• Adverse events reported for topical gel include angioedema, throat tightening, tongue swelling, and urticarial; institute appropriate therapy and discontinue therapy, if clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs

Points of recommendation

• This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
• 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.

Pregnancy level

B

Related drugs

apraclonidine , Echothiophate