What is Brimonidine Tartrate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Brimonidine Tartrate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Brimonidine Tartrate, Alphagan P

Generic Names:

  • Brimonidine Tartrate

Uses:

  • Lowers pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma or hypertension in the eye. Also relieves eye redness.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Decongestant, Antiglaucoma

Forms:

  • Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Brimonidine Tartrate used for?

Brimonidine is a medication used to treat open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and rosacea. This drug increases fluid draining from the eye and lowers the amount of fluid made in the eye. Brimonidine belongs to a class of drugs called alpha agonists. Brimonidine is a generic drug also sold under the brand names Mirvaso and Alphagan. This drug has been available for years. In the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, brimonidine use is common.

What form(s) does Brimonidine Tartrate come in

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Brimonidine Tartrate doses?

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.15%

  • Bottle 10ML of 0.15%

  • Bottle 15ML of 0.15%

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.2%

  • Bottle 10ML of 0.2%

  • Bottle 15ML of 0.2%

Common Brimonidine Tartrate prescriptions

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    10ml of 0.15% bottle

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    10ml of 0.2% bottle

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    15ml of 0.15% bottle

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    15ml of 0.2% bottle

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    5ml of 0.15% bottle

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    5ml of 0.2% bottle

  • Brimonidine Tartrate
    30gm of 0.33% pump btl

How to take Brimonidine Tartrate

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeShake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo 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. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with a second drop.

  • The eye drops will normally be a clear liquid with a greenish-yellow color. If the color changes or the liquid becomes cloudy, do not use the medicine. Get a new bottle from the pharmacy.

  • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Lumify„¢. You may insert them again after 10 minutes.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with a second drop.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Lumify„¢. You may insert them again after 10 minutes.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo 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. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • The eye drops will normally be a clear liquid with a greenish-yellow color. If the color changes or the liquid becomes cloudy, do not use the medicine. Get a new bottle from the pharmacy.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeShake the eye drops well just before each use.

What to do if you miss a dose of Brimonidine Tartrate

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Brimonidine Tartrate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you had an allergic reaction to brimonidine.

Brimonidine Tartrate warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up), blood vessel disease (including Raynaud phenomenon, thromboangiitis obliterans), depression, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke.

  • Alphagan® P may make you lightheaded, dizzy, or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Ophthalmic routeIf you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

  • Redness in the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Red, painful, or swollen eyelids.

  • Severe eye irritation or pain.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Brimonidine Tartrate interactions

  • Some medicines may affect how brimonidine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:DigoxinBlood pressure medicine (including hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], lisinopril, quinapril)MAO inhibitor (including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)

  • If you are also using other eye medicines together with brimonidine, use them at least 5 minutes from each other.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • You or your child will need to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor on a regular basis while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Brimonidine Tartrate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe eye irritation or pain

  • Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.

  • Red, painful, or swollen eyelids

  • Redness in the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision

  • Burning, stinging, dry, or itching eyes

  • Eye discharge or excessive tearing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sensitivity of the eyes to light

  • Feeling tired or drowsy

  • Dry mouth

  • Upset stomach