Brimonidine
Uses of Brimonidine
Brimonidine is commonly used to treat Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension, Rosacea
How Brimonidine Works
Brimonidine is an α2-adrenoceptor agonist. It lowers intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humour production and increasing uveoscleral flow. As a topical agent, it reduces eye redness through direct vasoconstriction.
Side Effects of Brimonidine
Skin redness and skin itching , Facial flushing, Burning sensation, Pins and needles (paraesthesia), Increased IOP , Swollen face, Nasal congestion, Blurred vision and ocular dryness, Fatigue, Drowsiness and dizziness
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Brimonidine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease as Brinomidine has not been studied in kidney disease.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Brimonidine. Taking Brimonidine with alcohol may have additive effects in the central nervous system.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
The safety of Brimonidine during human pregnancy is not established. In addition to that, animal studies do not show any teratogenic effects on the fetus.
Driving Not advisable
Brimonidine may cause side effects such as dizziness, blurry vision or tiredness, all of which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Limited Data
Brimonidine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease as Brimonidine has not been studied in liver disease.
Lactation Limited Data
There is no information regarding the safety of Brimonidine during lactation. It is not known whether Brimonidine is excreted in human breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
