Brimonidine Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 21, 2024.

Applies to brimonidine topical: topical application gel/jelly.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits for any unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

If you (especially your child) get this medicine into the mouth or swallow it accidentally, check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: lack of energy, trouble breathing or stops breathing, a slow heartbeat, confusion, sweating, restlessness, muscle spasms, or twitching.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

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]

See also:

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