972
Views
42
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Drug Evaluation

Brimonidine tartrate for the treatment of glaucoma

, , &
Pages 115-122 | Received 06 Jul 2018, Accepted 31 Oct 2018, Published online: 08 Nov 2018
 

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Brimonidine tartrate is a commonly used eyedrop for short- and long-term lowering of intraocular pressure. Its use has been popularized due to its effects on aqueous suppression and uveoscleral outflow, as well as the suggestion of neuroprotection. Although available with alternative preservative vehicles, brimonidine is associated with high rates of local allergy and is contraindicated in breastfeeding women, neonates, young children, and the elderly due to risk of central nervous system depression. Other topical agents with differing advantages have challenged brimonidine’s role in the treatment algorithm of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Areas covered: The authors review the development of topical alpha-adrenergic agonists, with particular attention to the currently available formulations of brimonidine tartrate. Its mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics and safety, and clinical efficacy are analyzed.

Expert opinion: Despite clinical familiarity with brimonidine after two decades of use, agents that offer daily dosing, nocturnal effect, and more favorable ocular and systemic side effect profiles have ultimately led to brimonidine’s adjunctive use in patients with elevated intraocular pressure or high- or low-tension glaucomas. Still, brimonidine may be advantageous in patients undergoing laser trabeculoplasty or iridotomy, in certain forms of glaucoma, or in pregnant individuals prior to the last trimester, underscoring its clinical importance.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

TS Vajaranant is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Eye Institute grant K23EY022949.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.