Before using brimonidine eye drops

Before using brimonidine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking antidepressant medication or if you suffer from depression.
• If you have heart or circulation problems (particularly Raynaud's phenomenon.)
• If you suffer from postural hypotension (dizziness when sitting up or standing quickly).
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use brimonidine eye drops

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• The usual dose is one drop twice a day (12 hours apart) into the affected eye(s).

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the cap of the bottle.
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye. Try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop.
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use the drops in both eyes.
8. Replace the cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or the fingers.
9. Wash your hands again.

Getting the most from your treatment

• After instilling a drop in your eye, press on the area between your nose and just below the inner the corner of your eye for one minute - this reduces the chance of the medication being absorbed into your body.
• If you are using several different eye drops, leave 5 - 15 minutes between using each drops.
• Do not instil more than one drop - using several drops does not improve your glaucoma but will increase the risk of side effects.
• If you wear contact lenses, leave a gap of at least 15 minutes after using your eye drops before putting your lenses in. These drops will discolour soft contact lenses.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery if your vision is blurred.

Can brimonidine eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store brimonidine eye drops

• Eye drops can be used for 4 weeks once the bottle has been opened. After this time use a new bottle.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines