7 mins read

Overview: Brimonidine ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine used to lower eye pressure. An over-the-counter (OTC) form is available to relieve eye redness. The strength of medicine is different between the OTC and the prescription products. Do not use the prescription product for eye redness or the OTC product to lower eye pressure. The most common side effects are dry mouth and eye burning or stinging. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have eye pain, an eye infection, or serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction.

Uses

What is brimonidine ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Brimonidine ophthalmic is commonly used to lower pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. People with these conditions have increased pressure inside the eye.

A lower strength (0.025%) over-the-counter (OTC) form of brimonidine ophthalmic is commonly used to relieve redness of the eye caused by mild eye irritation. 

Brimonidine ophthalmic may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does brimonidine ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

High pressure inside the eye can lead to nerve damage and vision loss. Prescription strength brimonidine ophthalmic works by reducing the amount of fluid the eye makes. It also helps more fluid drain out of the eye. Together, these effects lower pressure inside the eye.

Brimonidine ophthalmic 0.025%, which is available over-the-counter (OTC), helps relieve redness by narrowing, or constricting, the tiny blood vessels in the eye. This reduces blood flow to the surface of the eye, which makes the whites of your eyes look less red.

How is brimonidine ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Alphagan P
  • Lumify
  • Lumify Preservative Free
  • Qoliana

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.025% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 0.1% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 0.15% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 0.2% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

Brimonidine is also available in a topical form that is applied to the skin. See Brimonidine topical for more information.

How should I store brimonidine ophthalmic?

Brimonidine ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dry mouth
  • Eye redness, burning, stinging, or itching
  • Headache
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Tiredness or drowsiness
  • Small bumps on the inside of the eyelids or sometimes on the surface of the eye (conjunctival follicles)

There may be other side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Brimonidine ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using brimonidine ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use brimonidine ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use brimonidine ophthalmic.

  • Brimonidine
  • Alphagan P
  • Lumify
  • Lumify Preservative Free
  • Qoliana
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific brimonidine ophthalmic product 

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific brimonidine ophthalmic products they stock.

Children Less Than Two Years Old. Brimonidine ophthalmic should not be used in children under two years old. Some brimonidine ophthalmic products should not be used in children under five years of age, unless their healthcare provider recommends it. Check with a healthcare provider before using eye drops in young children. 

What should I know about brimonidine ophthalmic before using it?

If brimonidine ophthalmic was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, use it as prescribed. If you use an over-the-counter (OTC) brimonidine ophthalmic product, use it according to the labeled directions. The OTC product is a lower strength and is not used to lower eye pressure. Similarly, the prescription products are higher strengths and are not to be used for eye redness.

Do not share brimonidine ophthalmic that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep brimonidine ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Brimonidine ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least five minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Make sure to put the cap back on after each use. If the liquid changes in color or looks cloudy, do not use it.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, eye pain, or changes in vision while using brimonidine ophthalmic. 

Remove contact lenses before using brimonidine eye drops. Then wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before you put your contacts back in.

You may have drowsiness after using brimonidine ophthalmic. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness until you know how brimonidine ophthalmic affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using brimonidine ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if brimonidine ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Blood Flow Problems. Brimonidine ophthalmic may worsen the symptoms of certain blood flow problems (vascular insufficiency). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions. They can help decide if brimonidine ophthalmic is safe for you.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Severe cardiovascular disease
  • Eye problems affecting the clear layer that covers the front of your eye (cornea) or eye surface

Other Medicines and Supplements. Brimonidine ophthalmic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using brimonidine ophthalmic, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how brimonidine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use brimonidine ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if brimonidine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop brimonidine ophthalmic.

Interactions

Does brimonidine ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between brimonidine ophthalmic and foods.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect brimonidine ophthalmic. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using brimonidine ophthalmic.

Does brimonidine ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using brimonidine ophthalmic.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with brimonidine ophthalmic. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much brimonidine ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much brimonidine ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of brimonidine ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.