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Generic Name : BRIMONIDINE (OPHTHALMIC/TOPICAL)

ABSTRACT –

Brimonidine is found in the ophthalmic as well as the topical form, and is used to treat two separate kinds of problems. It is a drug used to treat the eyes of patients with open-angle glaucoma, and also enlarged blood vessels on the facial area in certain adults. The topical form of Brimonidine, a ‘topical anti-rosacea agent’, works by narrowing the blood vessels and thus, is useful for treating facial rosacea. Brimonidine (ophthalmic), an ‘ophthalmic glaucoma agent’, is used to reduce pressure within the eyes of patients with ocular hypertension while also relieving them from irritation and redness.

DOSAGE –

• Both forms of Brimonidine are to be taken as directed by the doctors. Dosage of either form varies depending on the kind of illness being treated and the affected area.
• Topical Brimonidine is generally applied on the affected area (on the face) in pea sized amounts, once a day.
• Ophthalmic Brimonidine is available in the form of eye drops. General dosage prescribed is one drop in the affected eye three times a day with a gap of 7-8 hours.
• General Adult Dosage available:
Topical – 0.33% (strength)
Ophthalmic – 0.2%, 0.15%, 0.1%, 0.025% (strength)

SIDE EFFECTS –

BRIMONIDINE (OPHTHALMIC) –

• Blurry vision
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Conjunctivitis
• Ocular hyperemia
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Xerostomia
• Double vision
• Night blindness
• Itching and swelling in the eye

RARE SIDE EFFECTS –

• Change in vision
• Severe swelling
• Severe burning
• Watery eyes

BRIMONIDINE (TOPICAL) –

• Redness in skin
• Warmth in applied area
• Pale skin

RARE SIDE EFFECTS –

• Dizziness
• Unusual palpitations
• Severe redness
• Burning sensations or irritations

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Acebutolol
• Acrivastine
• Alfentanil
• Alprazolam
• Amiloride
• Amobarbital
• Asenapine
• Baclofen
• Benzaepril
• Betaxolol
• Bisoprolol
• Bumetanide
• Butorphanol
• Butalbital
• Cannabis
• Dantrolene
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Iloprost
• Ketamine
• Labetalol

Brimonidine (ophthalmic/topical) has moderate interactions with 780 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription.
• Before using Brimonidine (topical/ophthalmic), notify in case of – an allergy to the drug, artery diseases, depression, low blood pressure, Raynaud’s syndrome, auto-immune disorders, scleroderma or in case you are consuming anti-depressants or blood pressure medication.
• Use eye drops 10 minutes prior to wearing lenses, if any.
• Wash hands before and after application of the drug.

WARNINGS –

• Do not use the ointment on skin that is dry, sunburned or irritated. Avoid applying it over open wounds as it can cause harm. Do not allow this ointment to come in contact with sensitive areas.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Notify in case rare side effects are observed.
• Overdose of Brimonidine is unlikely to cause harm, but in case one swallows the ointment/drops whole, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.