What is Brimonidine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow the doctor’s instructions when using prescription brimonidine. 

• The doctor or clinic may give you an instruction sheet for taking this medicine. Please read and follow the directions.

Follow the package label instructions when using over-the-counter brimonidine.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

Applying brimonidine eye drops:

• Never touch the tip of the eye drop bottle to your eye, skin, or other surface. Never rinse the eyedropper tip.

• Remove any contact lenses.

• Shake the eye drops well before each use.

• Lie down or tilt your head back. 

• With your index finger, pull down the eye's lower lid to form a pocket.

• Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. 

• Place a drop into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. 

• Gently close your eye. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for one minute. 

• Do the same for the other eye if necessary.

• When finished, immediately replace the cap.

• If using other eye drops, wait five minutes before using the next medicine.

• Replace your contact lenses at least 10 minutes after administering the last dose.

• Store the capped bottle upright at room temperature.

Applying brimonidine gel:

• Administer only one application daily unless instructed otherwise.

• One pea-sized dose is applied to each of the five areas of the face: forehead, left cheek, right cheek, and nose.

• Squeeze the dose onto the tip of the finger.

• Spread it evenly on the skin of one of the five areas of the face.

• Repeat for each of the other four areas of the face.

• Recap the tube. 

• Wash your hands.

• Store brimonidine gel at room temperature.

For brimonidine prescription eye drops, ask the doctor or consult the clinic’s instruction sheet for directions on taking a missed dose. 

For OTC brimonidine or brimonidine gel, take a missed dose when remembered.

If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.

Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

You should not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to brimonidine.

Do not use prescription brimonidine eye drops in infants younger than 2.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. 

Keep all appointments with the prescriber, particularly if you’re using prescription brimonidine eye drops.

Before starting prescription brimonidine, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Serious heart problems

• Blood vessel problems

• Blood circulation problems, including Raynaud’s phenomenon

• A recent stroke

• Low blood pressure

• Dry mouth

• Skin tightening or scleroderma (if prescribed the gel version)

• Irritated or damaged skin (gel)

Prescription brimonidine 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.

When using prescription brimonidine eye drops, immediately talk to the doctor if you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or experience symptoms of high eye pressure, such as eye pain or sensitivity to light.

When using topical brimonidine, tell the doctor if you experience skin redness or skin paleness that makes you uncomfortable.

Before starting prescription brimonidine, tell the prescriber if you’re using:

• Blood pressure medications

• Digitalis heart drugs like digoxin

• MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Drugs that make you sleepy or drowsy

If you also use other eye medicines with brimonidine eye drops, administer the medicines at least five minutes apart.

Ask the prescriber if it’s okay to drink alcohol while using this medicine.