No

Alpha₂ Agonist, Ophthalmic; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma

Lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

B

Known hypersensitivity to brimonidine tartrate or any component of this medication; patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor therapy

Exercise caution in treating patients with severe cardiovascular disease. Use with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension or thromboangiitis obliterans

Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment

Loss of effect in some patients may occur. The IOP-lowering efficacy observed with brimonidine tartrate during the first of month of therapy may not always reflect the long term level of IOP reduction. Routinely monitor IOP.

>10%:

Central nervous system: Headache, fatigue/drowsiness

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia

Ocular: Ocular hyperemia, burning and stinging, blurring, foreign body sensation, conjunctival follicles, ocular allergic reactions and ocular pruritus

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Dizziness

Ocular: Corneal staining/erosion, photophobia, eyelid erythema, ocular ache/pain, ocular dryness, tearing, eyelid edema, conjunctival edema, blepharitis, ocular irritation, conjunctival blanching, abnormal vision, lid crusting, conjunctival hemorrhage, abnormal taste, conjunctival discharge

Respiratory: Upper respiratory symptoms

<1%: Allergic response, some systemic effects have also been reported including GI, CNS, and cardiovascular symptoms (arrhythmias)

Symptoms of overdose: No information is available on overdosage in humans

Treatment: Maintain a patent airway, supportive and symptomatic therapy

Increased effect:

CNS depressants (eg, alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, anesthetics): Additive or potentiating effect

Topical beta-blockers, pilocarpine additive decreased intraocular pressure, antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides

Decreased effect: Tricyclic antidepressants can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines

Store at or below 25°C (77°F)

Selective for alpha₂-receptors; appears to result in reduction of aqueous humor formation and increase uveoscleral outflow

Onset of action: 1-4 hours

Duration: 12 hours

Adults: Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop in affected eye(s) 3 times/day (approximately every 8 hours)

Closely monitor patients who develop fatigue or drowsiness

Drowsiness is common

Contraindicated with MAOIs; concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive sedation

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Instruct patients wearing soft contact lenses to wait at least 15 minutes after instilling brimonidine tartrate to insert soft contact lenses. As with other drugs in this class, brimonidine tartrate may cause fatigue or drowsiness in some patients. Caution patients who engage in hazardous activities of the potential for a decrease in mental alertness.

Solution, ophthalmic, as tartrate: 0.2% (5 mL, 10 mL)