What is brimonidine tartrate used for?

It is used to lower high eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Can children use brimonidine tartrate?

No, this medication should not be used in children under 2 years of age.

How often should I apply brimonidine tartrate eye drops?

The typical dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day, roughly every 8 hours.

What should I do if I am using other eye medications?

Wait at least 5 minutes between applying different eye medications.

Does brimonidine tartrate cause drowsiness?

Yes, some patients may experience fatigue, drowsiness, or decreased mental alertness.

Is it safe to use brimonidine tartrate during pregnancy?

It should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit to the mother is greater than the potential risk to the fetus.

How can I prevent eye infections while using these drops?

Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent bacterial contamination.

What are the most common side effects of brimonidine tartrate?

Common side effects include eye redness, itching, burning, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

Brimonidine Tartrate | CAS 109826-56-4 | QZHBYNSSDLTCRG

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Alpha adrenergic receptor agonist

Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution is a prescription eye drop used to lower high pressure inside the eye. It is specifically used for people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

How it worksBrimonidine tartrate works as an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist to help reduce the pressure in your eyes.

Brand names:Brimonidine Tartrate

Used for

Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)Open-angle glaucomaOcular hypertension

Conditions

Open-angle glaucomaOcular hypertension

Class

Alpha adrenergic receptor agonistOcular

How to take

FormsOphthalmic solution

RoutesEye drops

The standard dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) three times a day, spaced about 8 hours apart.

If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between applying different products.

Key warnings

·Brimonidine tartrate may worsen conditions related to poor blood flow (vascular insufficiency).
·Use with caution if you have depression, heart problems, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or low blood pressure when standing up.
·To prevent eye infections, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface.
·Stop using the drops if the liquid becomes cloudy or changes color.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you are under 2 years of age.
·Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to any part of this medication in the past.

Side effects

Common

Allergic eye redness (allergic conjunctivitis)Burning sensation in the eyeItchy eyesEye rednessDry mouthBlurred visionDrowsiness or fatigue

Serious

·Severe cardiovascular issues
·Bacterial eye infections from contaminated containers
·Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
·Severe allergic reactions

Seek help if

·Serious eye damage or loss of vision
·Signs of bacterial infection in the eye
·Severe cardiovascular symptoms

Interactions

·Blood pressure medications and heart medicines may cause blood pressure to drop further.
·Alcohol, sedatives, and narcotics may increase drowsiness.
·Tricyclic antidepressants might interfere with how the drug works.
·MAO inhibitors may increase the risk of low blood pressure.

AlcoholUsing alcohol with brimonidine tartrate may increase drowsiness or mental alertness issues.

Special populations

PregnancyAnimal studies show no birth defects at human-equivalent doses, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the benefit to you outweighs the potential risk to your baby.

PediatricBrimonidine tartrate should not be used in children under 2 years old. In children aged 2 to 7, it commonly causes sleepiness and decreased alertness.

GeriatricNo significant differences in safety or effectiveness have been found in elderly patients compared to younger adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Eye redness and irritation
·Changes in blood pressure
·Drowsiness or mental alertness
·Signs of eye infection

Questions to ask

·Can I use this if I have heart disease or low blood pressure?
·How will this interact with my current blood pressure medications?
·Is it safe to use if I am pregnant?
·What should I do if I accidentally swallow the drops?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismThe metabolism of circulating amines may be affected by tricyclic antidepressants.

Practical

OverdoseIn adults, accidental swallowing may cause low blood pressure. In infants and children, overdose can cause serious issues like breathing problems, slow heart rate, or extreme sleepiness. Seek medical help immediately.

StorageIf solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.