Arrow Brimonidine Eye Drops 0.2%

Arrow-Brimonidine general information

What is Arrow-Brimonidine used for?

Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% are used to lower pressure within the eye known as intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour). This increased pressure can cause glaucoma, which defines a group of eye disorders that affect the optic nerve, causing damage to the optic nerve fibres leading out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead to gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. Arrow-Brimonidine is used to treat chronic open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, and ocular hypertension, which is increased IOP without ocular nerve damage, in people who do not have glaucoma. Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/mL can be used alone or used in conjunction with other types of eye drop, for example beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues, where a single medication does not lower IOP sufficiently, or as an alternative if other treatments have not been effective or where beta-blockers cannot be used.

How does Arrow-Brimonidine work?

Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% contain brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that binds selectively to the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor that is found in many cells throughout the body, including the ciliary bodies of the eye, which continually produces the eye fluid called aqueous humour, as a result of filtration from the capillaries (small blood vessels). Normally the eye fluid drains out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network between the cornea and the iris, which is the conventional drainage route. If this drainage system becomes blocked fluid is produced at a faster rate that it is drained away and this causes an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that can cause glaucoma. Arrow-Brimonidine in Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/L has a dual mechanism of action and works by acting on the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the eye to reduce aqueous humor production and enhance uveoscleral outflow through the ciliary body where the aqueous is produced, which is the alternative route for drainage. As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated. Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops have a rapid onset of action and the peak reduction in IOP can be seen about 2 hours after you start using Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops and lasts for about 12 hours.

What does Arrow-Brimonidine contain?

Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/mL contains the active ingredient brimonidine tartrate, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma. They also contain benzalkonium chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid anhydrous, sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH) and purified water.

Treating glaucoma with Arrow-Brimonidine

Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% contain brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that is used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure within the eye, caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour). The build up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid, which is produced continually by the ciliary bodies of the eye. Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP. Although there are usually no symptoms of glaucoma, increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight. brimonidine in Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% works by acting on the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the eye to reduce aqueous humor production and enhance uveoscleral outflow through the ciliary body where the aqueous is produced, and is the alternative route for drainage of eye fluid. As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated.

What are the side effects of Arrow-Brimonidine?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% include: burning, stinging, itching eyes, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, watering and redness of the eye, allergic reactions including redness and swelling of the eye, swelling of the eyelid (blepharitis), blurred vision, sensitivity to light, irritation or feeling of having something in the eye, abnormal taste, dryness of the mouth upper respiratory symptoms, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, asthenia, headache, fatigue, drowsiness.

When should Arrow-Brimonidine not be used?

You should not use Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/mL if you:

• are allergic to brimonidine or any ingredients in Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have severe, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
• wear soft contact lenses; you should remove your contacts and replace them 15 minutes after using
• are taking medicines that interact with Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/mL, including monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor for depression, tricyclic antidepressants

How should Arrow-Brimonidine be used?

You should take your Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% by applying one drop into the affected eye, twice daily, and following the instructions provided. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/mL and then replace them at least 15 minutes after applying your drops. You should continue to use your Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 2mg/mL drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

How long should you use Arrow-Brimonidine?

You should continue to use your Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

Missed dose of Arrow-Brimonidine

If you miss a dose of Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Arrow-Brimonidine be stored?

You should store your Arrow-Brimonidine eye drops 0.2% below 25°C in a cool dry place.