Why is this medication prescribed?

Brimonidine ophthalmic is prescribed for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). It belongs to a class of medications known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, which work by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye and increasing the drainage of fluid out of the eye.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some key points on how Brimonidine ophthalmic should be used:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. Typically, Brimonidine ophthalmic is applied as one drop into the affected eye(s) three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart.
• Administration: Wash your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pocket. Blink gently and then keep your eyes closed for 1-2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
• Avoid Contamination: Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye or hands, to prevent contamination of the solution.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Brimonidine ophthalmic. You can reinsert your contact lenses 15 minutes after applying the eye drops.
• Monitoring: Use Brimonidine ophthalmic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop using the medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects such as redness, itching, stinging, or dryness of the eyes. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
• Storage: Store Brimonidine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of Brimonidine ophthalmic to ensure effective treatment and to minimize the risk of side effects.

Other uses for this medicine

• Rosacea: Brimonidine has been formulated into a topical gel (brimonidine tartrate gel) for the treatment of persistent facial redness associated with rosacea in adults. This formulation is applied directly to the skin and is not the same as the ophthalmic solution used for eye conditions.
• Facial Flushing: It may be used off-label to reduce facial flushing associated with certain conditions or medications.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Brimonidine ophthalmic:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to Brimonidine or any other medications.
• Medical Conditions: Disclose to your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have or have had heart disease, low blood pressure, depression, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or severe blood vessel disease.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Brimonidine may pass into breast milk, so caution is advised.
• Children: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established for all uses. Use in children should be under the guidance of a pediatric specialist.
• Contact Lenses: As mentioned earlier, if you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Brimonidine ophthalmic and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Brimonidine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some individuals. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Eye Health: Regular eye examinations are important while using Brimonidine ophthalmic to monitor eye pressure and overall eye health.
• Side Effects: Be vigilant for potential side effects such as eye redness, itching, burning, dryness, and changes in vision. Report any unusual or persistent symptoms to your doctor.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and advice regarding the use of Brimonidine ophthalmic, including any precautions specific to your health condition or situation.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions for Brimonidine ophthalmic, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with its use. However, if you have concerns about how your diet might interact with your medication regimen, it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember: If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not double up: Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Brimonidine ophthalmic is a medication used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Like all medications, it can potentially cause side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects associated with brimonidine ophthalmic:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Burning or stinging in the eye
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Redness of the eye or eyelid
  • Eye itching or discomfort
  • Foreign body sensation in the eye
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
• Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
  • Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Mood changes (e.g., depression)
  • Persistent headache
  • Eye pain or swelling, or vision changes
• Potential Systemic Effects (when the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream):
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Upset stomach
  • Trouble sleeping

It’s important to note that while these side effects can occur, not everyone using brimonidine ophthalmic will experience them. If you experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal:

• Storage:
  • Store Brimonidine ophthalmic eye drops at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination.
  • Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired Brimonidine eye drops according to local regulations and guidelines.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose, such as accidentally ingesting Brimonidine ophthalmic:

• Contact emergency medical services (911 in the United States) immediately.
• If possible, have the medication bottle or packaging available to provide information to healthcare providers.
• Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, decreased alertness, low blood pressure, and slowed heart rate.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Follow-up: It’s important to attend regular follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to monitor your eye condition and response to Brimonidine ophthalmic.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential interactions.
• Avoid Contamination: To prevent contamination, do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye or hands.
• Eye Care: Be mindful of your eye health and report any new or worsening eye symptoms to your doctor promptly.
• Patient Education: Understand how to properly administer the eye drops and any special instructions from your healthcare provider.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have known allergies or experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing after using Brimonidine ophthalmic, seek immediate medical attention.

Following these guidelines can help ensure safe and effective use of Brimonidine ophthalmic. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your medication or its use.