Brimonidine

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2% is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with a peak ocular hypotensive effect occurring at two hours post-dosing. Fluorophotometric studies in animals and humans suggest that brimonidine tartrate has a dual mechanism of action by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.

Indications

Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2% is indicated for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The IOP lowering efficacy of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution diminishes over time in some patients. This loss of effect appears with a variable time of onset in each patient and should be closely monitored. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Dosage and administration (summary)

The recommended dose is one drop of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2% in the affected eye(s) three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is to be used, the different products should be instilled at least 5 minutes apart. One drop in the affected eye(s), three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart.

Contraindications

Neonates and infants (under the age of 2 years). Neonates and Infants (under the age of 2 years) Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in neonates and infants (under the age of 2 years) . Hypersensitivity Reactions Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in patients who have exhibited a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of this medication in the past .

Warnings and precautions

Potentiation of vascular insufficiency. Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution may potentiate syndromes associated with vascular insufficiency. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, or thromboangiitis obliterans.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Teratogenicity studies have been performed in animals. Brimonidine tartrate was not teratogenic when given orally during gestation days 6 through 15 in rats and days 6 through 18 in rabbits.

Storage and supply

Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2% is supplied sterile in white opaque LDPE plastic dropper bottles with tips with purple polypropylene caps as follows: 5 mL in 8 mL bottle NDC 61314-143-05 10 mL in 10 mL bottle NDC 61314-143-10 15 mL in 15 mL bottle NDC 61314-143-15 Storage: Store between 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F).

Source: Brimonidine Tartrate (Brimonidine Tartrate) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-05-30, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.