Brimonidine tartrate 0.15 is ophthalmically used to reduce pressure inside the eye in patients with ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. It is available in eye drop form and belongs to the family of medications alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonists. In normal situations, the fluid regularly forms and drains out of the eye but when it doesn’t drain out of the eye the person starts to feel the pressure inside the eye. Brimonidine reduces the fluid formed by the eye and increases the fluid flow from the eye. However; it is noticed to work within 2 hours post eye instillation.
Brimonidine is available in many brands and names and in different forms also. This is not over the counter drug to be used without the prescription of the doctor. Hence; this can be harmful if used without consulting the doctor.
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Different Forms of Brimonidine Available
Brimonidine is available in two forms:
- Alphagan 0.2% and
- Alphagan P 0.15%
Recommended Dosage of Brimonidine
The recommended dosage of the medication depends on many factors and from person to person. Each person can be prescribed different dosages depending on the medical condition, medicines the patients taking currently, body weight, and other factors.
Brimonidine tartrate 0.15 is generally prescribed in a dose of 1 drop for adults for 3 times a day with a time gap of 8 hours.
Procedure to Use The Medication
The procedure is similar to most eye drop that is available over the counter. But some extra precaution has to be taken prior using the Brimonidine eye drop.
- Firstly; hands should be thoroughly washed.
- Secondly; keep the container tip away from the eye to avoid contamination.
- Thirdly; use the nasolacrimal occlusion technique to avoid the medication from dropping down.
- Lastly; close the cap tightly and store it away from direct sunlight.
Precautions To Be Taken While Using Brimonidine
- Firstly; don’t use the medication after the expiry date. Some brands recommend discarding the solution after 28 days from the date of opening the bottle.
- Secondly; don’t use Brimonidine on contact lenses. The contact lenses must remove before instilling into the eye.
- Third;y; people who are allergic to brimonidine or any of its ingredients must not use this eye drop or tell the doctor about the allergy they have.
- Moreover; people who are using monoamine oxidase inhibitors like tranylcypromine or phenelzine must not use this medication.
- in addition; toddlers or children below the age of 2 years must not give this medication.
Side Effects Brimonidine People Can Experience
Similar to many medications Brimonidine consumption can yield possible side effects in some people with certain medical conditions. In most people, no side effects have recorded. For people who have medical conditions, they must consult with the doctor about the possible side effects. Around 1 percent of people taking Brimonidine has experienced some sort of side effects which can be easily managed. So; a person must contact the doctor if he/she experiences any of these side effects.
- Burning
- The white part of eye discoloration
- Weakness of muscle
- Temporary vision blurredness
- Headache
- Change of taste
- Dryness of mouth
- Dry Eyes
- Drowsiness
- Eye irritation
It has advised discussing with the doctor before using Brimonidine eye drop as the doctor can best suggest whether to use it or not based on the patient’s current medical conditions.
