Brimonidine use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Brimonidine: Alphagan, Combigan, Alphagan P, Simbrinza
Brimonidine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Limited information indicates that maternal use of brimonidine 0.2% ophthalmic drops do not adversely affect their nursing infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
A woman used brimonidine 0.2%, timolol gel-forming solution 0.5%, dipiverin 0.2%, and dorzolamide 0.5% drops for glaucoma while nursing a newborn. The frequency of medication use and extent of nursing were not stated. All medications were given immediately after nursing with punctal occlusion of the tear duct. The infant's vital signs were closely monitored with no signs of bradycardia or apnea.[1]
A woman was using ophthalmic drops containing 0.5% timolol and 0.2% brimonidine twice daily in the right eye for 6 months. During this time, she breastfed her infant (extent not stated) apparently without harm to her infant.[2]
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
1. Johnson SM, Martinez M, Freedman S. Management of glaucoma in pregnancy and lactation. Surv Ophthalmol. 2001;45:449-54. PMID: 11274697
2. Madadi P, Koren G, Freeman DJ et al. Timolol concentrations in breast milk of a woman treated for glaucoma: calculation of neonatal exposure. J Glaucoma. 2008;17:329-31. PMID: 18552619
Brimonidine Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
59803-98-4
Drug Class
- Adrenergic Alpha-Agonists
- Antiglaucoma Agents
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
775
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2009-09-29
Disclaimer
Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
See Also...
- Brimonidine ophthalmic use during Pregnancy
- Brimonidine Consumer Information
- Breastfeeding Support Group
- Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
- Medicine use while Breastfeeding
- Medicine use during Pregnancy
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.
