About brimonidine eye drops

A raised pressure within your eye can lead to damage to the optic nerve at the back of your eye. When this occurs it is called glaucoma. Glaucoma can lead to a loss of vision if it is not treated. If you have an increased pressure within your eye but without any damage to the optic nerve, this is called ocular hypertension. People with ocular hypertension have an increased risk of later developing glaucoma. Treatment with eye drops such as brimonidine helps to reduce eye pressure in people with ocular hypertension, and to prevent further eye damage in people with glaucoma.

Brimonidine eye drops are thought to work by reducing the amount of fluid that you make in the front part of your eye (called aqueous humour) and by increasing the drainage of fluid from your eye. These two actions lower the pressure within your eye.

Sometimes, more than one type of eye drop is needed to keep the pressure in the eye low. If this is the case for you, you may be asked to use two different eye drops, or you may be given drops which combine more than one type. Brimonidine is available as a combination eye drop with a beta-blocker called timolol (which also helps to reduce the amount of fluid your eye makes).

Before using brimonidine eye drops

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using brimonidine eye drops, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have a heart or blood vessel disorder.
• If you have circulation problems (particularly if you have Raynaud's syndrome).
• If you feel dizzy when you sit up or stand up quickly.
• If you have depression.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to use brimonidine eye drops

1. Wash your hands before you use the drops.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
5. Apply enough pressure to the bottle to release one drop into your eye. (Do not use more than one drop - using several drops does not improve your glaucoma but will increase the risk of side-effects).
6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
8. Replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you start using these eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the eye drops and a full list of possible side-effects from using them.
• Use one drop into the eye (or eyes) affected twice a day, 12 hours apart. Your dose will also be on the label of your bottle to remind you.
• Remember to use the drops at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. If you do forget, use them as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case just use the drops when they are next due). Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This is to prevent the drops from becoming contaminated.
• If you are using any other eye drops, leave 5-10 minutes between using the other drops.
• When first put in, eye drops may sometimes cause blurred vision. If this happens it should quickly clear, but make sure you can see clearly before you drive or use tools or machines.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which can affect soft contact lenses.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• If you are having an operation or any medical treatment, remember to tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are using these eye drops.

Can brimonidine eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but 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 four weeks once the bottle has been opened. After this time use a new bottle, even if there is still some solution remaining.
• 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