Brimonidine (Into the eye)

Introduction:

Brimonidine (bri-MOE-ni-deen)

Treats glaucoma.

Brand Name(s):

Alphagan P, Brimonidine Tartrate

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to brimonidine or benzalkonium chloride. If you are using a medicine called an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Nardil®, Parnate®, and Marplan®), then you should not use brimonidine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol or use medicines that can make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, cold or allergy medicine, or narcotic pain killers. Drinking alcohol or using these medicines while using brimonidine may make you less alert or too drowsy.
  • Tell your doctor if you use digoxin, medicine to lower your blood pressure, beta blocker medicines that you take by mouth or use in your eyes (such as atenolol, metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol®), propranolol (Inderal®), timolol (Timoptic®), or nadolol (Corgard®), or antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline or clomipramine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, blood circulation problems such as Raynaud's, or dizziness or fainting caused by low blood pressure.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving or using or using machinery until you know how the medicine affects you..
  • You will need to have your eyes checked regularly while using this medicine. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Red, painful, or swollen eyelids
  • Severe eye irritation or pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dry mouth or eyes
  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Eye sensitivity to light
  • Upset stomach
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com