Brimonidine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 26, 2024.

Applies to brimonidine topical: topical application gel/jelly.

Serious side effects of brimonidine topical

Along with its needed effects, brimonidine topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking brimonidine topical:

More common side effects

• flushing or redness of the skin
• unusually warm skin

Less common side effects

• blemishes on the skin
• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• pimples

Other side effects of brimonidine topical

Some side effects of brimonidine topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to brimonidine topical: topical gel.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are headache, erythema, pruritus, flushing and skin burning sensation.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acne, allergic contact dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, erythema, pruritus, rosacea, skin burning sensation, skin irritation, skin pain, warm skin
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry skin, skin discomfort, papular rash
• Postmarketing reports: Aggravated erythema, face swelling, pallor, urticaria^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory track infection
• Postmarketing reports: Throat tightness^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, increased intraocular pressure
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelid edema^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, paresthesia
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Flushing
• Postmarketing reports: Bradycardia, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Feeling hot, peripheral coldness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry mouth
• Postmarketing reports: Lip swelling, tongue swelling^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Local

• Postmarketing reports: Application site pallor, excessive whitening at application site^[Ref]

Further information

Brimonidine topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer