Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: brimonidine
BRAND NAME: Alphagan
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Brimonidine is used for the treatment
of one type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, too much fluid (aqueous humor) is made within the eye and causes high pressures within the eye. The pressure damages the nerves in the eye responsible for vision, and this ultimately causes blindness.
Brimonidine reduces the body's production of aqueous humor and
increases the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye, resulting in a decrease in
pressure. (It accomplishes this by stimulating alpha type 2
receptors in the eye.) It is the first drug of its class to be used for glaucoma. Brimonidine was approved by the FDA in 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Ophthalmic solution.
STORAGE: Brimonidine should be kept at room temperature,
15-30°C (59-86°F) and protected for direct light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Brimonidine is used for the treatment of
open-angle glaucoma.
DOSING: One drop into each affected eye three times daily
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions have been
described with brimonidine.
PREGNANCY: It is not known if brimonidine passes from the mother into the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if brimonidine is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that have been reported in more than
1 in 10 persons treated with brimonidine include
dry eyes, red eyes, irritation of the eyes, headache, blurred vision, a sensation of a foreign
body in the eye, and drowsiness. Less common side effects include corneal
staining, increased sensitivity to light, eyelid redness, eye pain,
tearing, and eyelid swelling.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 6/6/1999 5:54:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Glaucoma - Get information about glaucoma and its symptoms, signs, and causes. Learn about treatment, prevention, and research on the leading cause of blindness.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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