Brimonidine

What is brimonidine?

Topical brimonidine is commonly applied to the skin to treat redness that can happen with rosacea. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that can cause symptoms such as redness and small bumps.‍

How should this medicine be used?

Topical brimonidine is available as Mirvase and generic topical brimonidine in a 0.33% gel that is applied to the skin.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using topical brimonidine,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any health conditions, especially heart or blood vessel problems, such as heart disease, high or low blood pressure, history of stroke, dizziness, depression, circulation problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, or Buerger's disease.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have recently had or are scheduled to have a laser procedure, since the use of topical brimonidine after these procedures may increase the risk of serious side effects that could require hospitalization.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, such as vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products, because brimonidine topical may interact with other medications and supplements.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. It is not known if brimonidine topical can affect pregnancy or pass into breast milk. Your doctor will tell you if you should use this medicine while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Topical brimonidine may cause side effects. The following symptoms are likely to affect the skin you are treated with topical brimonidine gel. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Skin redness
• Flushing
• Burning Sensation of the Skin
• Skin Reactions

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms stop using topical brimonidine and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• Breathing Problems or Wheezing
• Racing Heart
• Fever or General Ill Feeling
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Swelling of the Face, Lips, Mouth, Tongue, or Throat
• Trouble Swallowing or Throat Tightness
• Itching, Skin Rash, or Pale Red Bumps on the Skin Called Hives
• nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, Feeling Lightheaded, or Fainting
• Stomach Cramps
• Joint Pain