Brimonidine is an alpha-2 agonist medication that is used to treat glaucoma and elevated eye pressure in ocular hypertension. This agent has a dual mechanism of action by decreasing the production of the fluid inside the front of the eye and also by increasing the amount of fluid that flow out of the eye. Brimonidine is available in several formulations--two that contain brimonidine alone and one that is in combination medication with timolol.
Brimonidine Generic
Brimonidine is available in a 0.2 percent formulation. The patient takes this medication one drop three times a day in the affected eye. According to the National Library of Medicine Daily Med website, the efficacy of this medication can diminish over time; the eye doctor would need to monitor the efficacy of the medication with regular follow up appointments. This medication--like other brimonidine formulations--can be used with other glaucoma medications. The potential side effects of brimonidine 0.2 percent include mouth dryness, eye redness, burning and headaches.
Brimonidine (Alphagan-P®)
Another medication that contains brimonidine is Alphagan-P® ophthalmic solution. According to the DailyMed website, Alphagan-P® comes in both 0.1 and 0.15 percent concentrations; these formulations contain the preservative Purite®. The Alphagan-P® dosage should be one drop taken 3 times a day as with the other formulations of brimonidine alone. As noted on the DailyMed website, the 0.1 and 0.15 percent Alphagan-P® medications are similar to brimonidine 0.2 percent in efficacy for lowering eye pressure. Potential side effects include burning, allergic conjunctivitis and itching.
Brimonidine and Timolol Combination (Combigan®)
Brimonidine is available in a combination medication called Combigan® ophthalmic solution. This medication contains 0.2 percent of brimonidine and the beta-blocker medication timolol at 0.5 percent. As noted on the DailyMed website, the combination of these two medications is about as effective as using both of these medications separately. Combigan® is taken two times a day. Because the addition of the beta-blocker medication timolol, there are patients who should not take this combination medicine such as those patients who have asthma, slow heartbeats or heart failure. Patients with diabetes and hyperthyroidism should use this medication with caution as well. Other adverse effects include allergic conjunctivitis, redness, burning and itching.
