This medication is used to treat a certain skin disorder
called rosacea. It works by narrowing blood vessels to reduce redness.
Brimonidine belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha
agonists.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this drug
and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid
getting this medication into your eyes or mouth, on your lips, on any areas
of broken/irritated skin including after laser treatment, or in and around
the vaginal area.
Wash your hands before and after applying this
medication. Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication.
Apply a pea-sized amount of the medication to the affected area(s) (such as
the forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek) and gently spread a thin layer of
the medication over that area as directed by your doctor, usually once
daily.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to apply a smaller amount of medication at first and gradually
increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent accidental
use or misuse. Children who have accidentally swallowed this medication
have had serious side effects, including trouble breathing, weakness, slow
heartbeat, confusion, sweating. If a child swallows this drug, get medical
help right away.
Flushing and redness/burning of the skin may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- slow heartbeat
- dizziness
- fainting
- pale/whitening skin
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using brimonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to apraclonidine; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as
phenoxyethanol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk
to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood vessel diseases (thromboangiitis obliterans)
- blood circulation disorders (cerebral or coronary
insufficiency)
- heart disease
- depression
- Raynaud's disease
- low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic
hypotension)
- a certain immune system disorder (Sjogren's syndrome)
- a certain skin/connective tissue disease (scleroderma)
Avoid certain triggers that may worsen rosacea such as
wind, hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme cold. Discuss with
your doctor.
Sun exposure can worsen rosacea. Limit exposure to the
sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or
greater.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Avoid the use of skin care products that can cause
further irritation (such as cleaners that contain alcohol, tinctures,
astringents, abrasives, and peeling agents). Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for details.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless your
doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in
that case.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.