Brimonidine

Adequate data is not available. Brimonidine can be used in pregnancy only if it is necessary and alternatives are not available. The decision has to be taken by your doctor.

It is unknown if Brimonidine secretes in breast milk. It is advised not to use this medicine while breast-feeding.

Brimonidine can cause fatigue, drowsiness, blurred, or abnormal vision. Stay away from driving if you experience any of these symptoms. Be cautious while taking this medicine, especially at night.

Brimonidine can cause drowsiness and depression which are also caused by alcohol. Hence, only occasional drinking is recommended while taking this medicine.

Aqueous humor is a clear watery fluid produced in the eye whose primary function is to maintain the shape of the eye and nourish it. This fluid is continuously produced, and hence an efficient fluid handling network is required to balance the new fluid produced and the old fluid. There are two kinds of pathways that the eye uses to remove the old fluid – the main pathway (trabecular outflow) and a second pathway (uveosacral outflow). Blockage of either or both of the paths will raise the pressure of this fluid in the eye and causes glaucoma. Uncontrolled pressure will affect the optic nerve which transmits signals from the eye to the brain. Damage to this nerve will result in blindness. If the main pathway (trabecular outflow) is blocked (which is common with increasing age), the condition is called open-angle glaucoma and if both the pathways are blocked, it is known as ‘closed-angle glaucoma’. While open-angle glaucoma is not painful and the patient usually does not know about the progression of the disease and it may be late by the time this condition is detected. When diagnosed, this condition is treated with eye drops. Surgery may be required if eye drops don’t work. Closed-angle glaucoma is a painful and emergency condition and the pressure is relieved by laser procedures.

Wash your hands before using the eye dropsTilt your head in such a way that you are facing the ceiling. Pull the lower lid gently and squeeze a drop from the bottle into your eyeClose the eye and press it with your finger for 1 minute to prevent any leakageDo not touch the dropper to the eye. Once used, close the cap tightlyIf more than one topical ophthalmic product (eye product) is being used, the products should be administered at least 5-15 minutes apartBrimonidine should not be used in children below 12 years of age