Generic Name: brimonidine tartrate
Brand Name: Qoliana
Drug Class: Antiglaucoma, Alpha Agonists
What is Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution, and what is it used for?
Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution is a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Qoliana is available in generic form.
What are the side effects of Qoliana?
Common side effects of Qoliana include:
- eye redness,
- inflammation,
- itching, and
- tearing
Other side effects of Qoliana include
- burning sensation,
- high blood pressure (hypertension),
- allergic reaction in the eyes,
- dry mouth, and
- visual disturbances.
What is the dosage for Qoliana?
- The recommended dose is one drop of Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% in the affected eye(s) three-times daily, approximately 8 hours apart.
- Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
What drugs interact with Qoliana?
Anti-Hypertensives / Cardiac Glycosides
- Alpha-2 agonists, as a class, may reduce blood pressure. Caution in using drugs such as beta-blockers (ophthalmic and systemic), anti-hypertensives and/or cardiac glycosides is advised.
CNS Depressants
- Although specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15%, the possibility of an additive or potentiating effect with CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anesthetics) should be considered.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine. It is not known whether the concurrent use of these agents with Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% in humans can lead to resulting interference with its IOP-lowering effect. Caution, however, is advised in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants, which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may theoretically interfere with the metabolism of brimonidine and potentially result in an increased systemic side-effect such as hypotension. Caution is advised in patients taking MAO inhibitors which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In animal studies, brimonidine crossed the placenta and entered into the fetal circulation to a limited extent. Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
- It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. In animal studies, brimonidine tartrate was excreted in breast milk.
- A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

SLIDESHOW
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments See SlideshowSummary
Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution is a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Common side effects of Qoliana include eye redness, inflammation, itching, and tearing.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Recognize These Common Eye Problems
Eye diseases can cause damage and blindness if not treated soon enough. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of common eye...
-
Eye Problems & Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.
-
Picture of Glaucoma
Glaucoma (the sneak thief of sight) refers to certain eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and cause vision loss. See a...
-
Picture of Eye Anatomy Detail
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic...
-
Eye Health: Why Are My Eyes Watery?
Always tearing up? Everyday things can make your eyes water, but so can some medical conditions.
-
Picture of Eye
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic...
-
Eye Health: What Your Eye Symptoms May Mean
Will your eye condition clear up, or is it a warning sign of a critical eye health issue? Learn about common eye symptoms, what...
-
Eye Health: Changes in Vision as You Age
What are your eye problems? Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, droopy eyelids, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye...
-
Eye Health: 11 Tips for Healthy Eyesight
Sharp eyesight is part of good health. Improve vision by eating well and scheduling regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist...
-
Eye Health: How Eye Color and Shape Can Affect Your Health
Eye color is linked to eye cancer, trustworthiness, type 1 diabetes, hearing loss, alcohol dependence, endometriosis, response to...
-
What Is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Treatment, Definition
Glaucoma refers to a variety of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and sometimes total blindness....
-
Eye Health: How to Relieve Tired Eyes
Lots of reading or screen time can leave your eyes tired, dry, and achy. Find out what you can do to ease eye fatigue.
-
Eye Health: Eye Mistakes You Might Be Making
You may be hurting your eyes and not even know it. Find out if you are and what you can do to stop it.
-
Macular Degeneration
This eye disease causes more vision loss than cataracts and glaucoma. WebMD shows you what you need to know to protect your sight.
-
Eyeglasses and Frames: Glasses for Presbyopia, Sunglasses, Eye Problems
Learn about your eye care needs and fashion wishes -- with eye glasses, frames and eyewear for computer use, reading, driving,...
-
Eye Health: Foods, Vitamins and Nutrients to Improve Eyesight
Eye Health: Foods, Vitamins and Nutrients to Improve Eyesight
-
Eye Health: Worst Foods for Your Eyes
What you eat can play a major role in the health of your eyes. Find out which foods to cut down on and some that will help keep...
-
Eye Health: Reasons for Droopy Eyelids
Ptosis is when one or both of your eyelids sag. It can happen for lots of reasons. Here’s what you need to know.
Related Disease Conditions
-
Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are deposits or condensation that form in the eye's vitreous humor. These deposits cast shadows on the retina, and as the eye moves, the deposits shift position, making it appear as though the shadows are moving or floating.
-
How Can I Relieve Eye Pain at Home?
Eye pain (ocular pain) is also called ophthalmalgia and is a common complaint. It may be perceived as a throbbing, burning, or itching sensation. Eye pain may be unilateral or in both eyes. It may be due to something as trivial as eye strain or as serious as brain infection.
-
Can an Intraocular Lens be Removed and Replaced?
Yes, an intraocular lens (IOL) can be removed and replaced, but it may not be an easy procedure and may have potential complications to vision. Such procedures are very rare because intraocular once implanted are permanent.
-
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.
-
Eye Strain
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.
-
Eye Problems and Diabetes
Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
-
Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses
Nonprescription eyeglasses are available over the counter (OTC) and are typically used by people who can no longer read fine print. OTC trifocals are helpful for those who require multiple distances or focal lengths for near and intermediate tasks. OTC sunglasses should offer 100% protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. OTC magnifying glasses are useful for viewing tiny objects or fine print.
-
What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.
-
Can High Blood Pressure Hurt My Eyes?
Unfortunately, yes. Suffering from untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure for a long time can be detrimental to your eyes. Several eye diseases are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure (hypertension).
-
Eye Cancer: Intraocular (Uveal) aMelanoma Treatment
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that develops when the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that give the skin its color, which are also present in the eyes, become cancerous. When melanoma develops in the cells of the eye, it is known as intraocular melanoma. Treatments for intraocular melanoma include surgery, watchful waiting, radiation therapy, photocoagulation, and thermotherapy.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Health News
- FDA Panel Backs RSV Vaccine for Infants, Some Toddlers
- Seniors: Stay Social, Active for 'Optimal Aging,' Study Shows
- Diabetes Med Metformin Might Help Prevent Long COVID
- Disability a Growing Concern for U.S. Cancer Survivors
- Smoke From Wildfires Is Especially Tough If You Have Asthma. Here’s How to Protect Yourself
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

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.