How does it work?

Brimonidine acts on receptors (alpha-receptors) in the blood vessels of the eye causing them to constrict. These blood vessels control the production of the watery fluid that fills the rear of the eye. When the blood vessels constrict there is a decrease in the production of this watery fluid. Brimonidine is used in the treatment of glaucoma. This is a condition where the fluid drainage from the eye is impaired, resulting in fluid build-up and increased pressure in the eye. Brimonidine is used as an eye drop so that it can act directly where it is needed. It may be used in conjunction with beta-blocker eye drops (e.g.betaxolol). Brimonidine may also be used to treat glaucoma that does not respond to beta-blocker eye drops.

What is it used for?

Open angle glaucoma

Raised pressure in the eye (ocular hypertension)

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This it because the medicine contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation.

Use with caution in

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing , which results in dizziness and light-headedness (postural hypotension)

Babies less than one month old (neonates)

Breastfeeding

Decreased blood supply to the heart (coronary insufficiency)

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Depression

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Disorder of blood flow to the brain (cerebral insufficiency)

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands, causing numb and painful fingers (Raynaud's disease)

Pregnancy

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Blurred vision

Eye irritation

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Dislike of light (photophobia)

Fluid-filled sacs in the conjunctiva of the eye (conjunctival follicles)

Dry eyes

Burning, itching and painful sensations in the eye

Red eye due to excess blood supply (hyperaemia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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