Brimonidine Tartrate is a medication for treating open-angle glaucoma. It’s also effective for addressing high fluid pressure in an individual’s eye; as a result, the possibility of vision loss is reduced, including the risk of nerve damage or even blindness.
The medication enables improved fluid drain from inside the individual’s eye and at the same time cut back on the quantity of water formed in the eyes, in order to lower pressure. An alpha agonist is what this medication is also termed.
Usage
First, it is important to say that Brimonidine tartrate is not to be used by kids who are below age 2 to avoid increased risk of grave side effects like extremely slowed breathing. You should get more information about usage by kids from a doctor.
How to Use the Medication
Step 1: Start by washing your hands. And, avoid getting your hand in contact with the dropper’s tip so that you can prevent contamination. Also, don’t let it touch any form of surface, including the skin of your eye.
Step 2: Prior to applying the medication remove your contact lenses (if you have some on).
Step 3: When you’re done using the eye-drop, do not place back your contact lenses until about after 15 minutes.
Step 4: To drop the medication, tilt your head backwards so that your face will be positioned upward. Then, pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Insert a drop and lower your head downwards. Shut your eyes for about 2 minutes or slightly less.
Step 5: Put a finger at the curve or corner of the eye close to your nose, putting a mild pressure. Avoid blinking or rubbing your eyes so that the medication will not drain out.
Step #6: Repeat the entire process to apply brimonidine tartrate to your other eye.
After application, don’t wash or rinse the dropper. Simply replace its cap.
Note 1: The medication is normally applied thrice a day or as the doctor directs.
Note 2: Wait for not less than 5 minutes to apply a second eye medication (if you are using this medication along with another eye medication).
Note 3: Do not stop the medication even if your symptoms lessen or disappear completely. You should complete the dosage in order to get optimum outcome from it.
And, endeavor not to skip any application time. If for any reason you wish to stop using the medication, inform your doctor first.
Also, if your condition gets worse, speak with your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Bear in mind that Brimonidine may have some side effects such as the following;
- Eye discomfort/redness/itching
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
If you experience any of those or other symptoms while using the medication. get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist without delay.
The doctor would prescribe this medication because of its effectiveness in helping to prevent permanent eye damage. But, individuals may react to the medication differently. Some people may not experience any critical side effects.
So, if you experience serious side effects such as pounding/faster heartbeats, vision changes, persistent headache or eye pain, contact your doctor immediately. It’s unlikely for users to develop any serious allergy from this medication.
But, if this happens, for instance, developing itching, rash, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness, call for help immediately. In the United States, you can call 800-FDA-1088 to report side effects to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
Precaution
Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist about previous allergies with this drug (if any), including any other allergy. Do this before using the medication. Some active ingredients that may cause allergy could be present in the medication.
Also, prior to using the medication, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about your previous medical issues, particularly blood circulation disorders and blood vessel ailments.
Other medical issues you should speak to the doctor about prior to using the medication include severe heart disease, depression, liver problem, kidney disease, and orthostatic hypotension.
Also, precaution is needful when using Brimonidine for children since they may also experience allergies or side effects. Also, pregnant women should speak with a doctor first when considering using this medication.
