Brimonidine Tartrate
Solution/ Drops · Ophthalmic
Uses
Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is indicated for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension ( 1 ).
Dosage and administration
The recommended dosage is one drop of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% in the affected eye(s) three-times daily, approximately 8 hours apart. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
• Instill one drop in the affected eye(s) three-times daily ( 2 ).
• If more than one topical ophthalmic product is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart ( 2 ).
Dosage forms and strengths
Ophthalmic solution containing 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) brimonidine tartrate. Ophthalmic solution containing 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) brimonidine tartrate ( 3 )
Contraindications
• Neonates and infants (pediatric patients younger than 2 years old) ( 4.1 ).
• Hypersensitivity to any component of this product ( 4.2 ). 4.1 Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old) Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is contraindicated in neonates and infants (pediatric patients younger than 2 years old) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) ]. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) and ( 6.2 )].
Warnings and precautions
• Potentiation of vascular insufficiency ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% may potentiate syndromes associated with vascular insufficiency. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, or thromboangiitis obliterans. 5.2 Severe Cardiovascular Disease Although brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution had minimal effect on the blood pressure of patients in clinical studies, caution should be exercised in treating patients with severe cardiovascular disease. 5.3 Contamination of Topical Ophthalmic Products After Use There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple-dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface.
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
• Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old) [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )]
• Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
• Severe Cardiovascular Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
• Contamination of Topical Ophthalmic Products After Use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions are allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and eye pruritis ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 10 to 20% of the subjects included: allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and eye pruritis. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 5 to 9% of the subjects included: burning sensation, conjunctival folliculosis, hypertension, ocular allergic reaction, oral dryness, and visual disturbance. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 1 to 4% of subjects included: allergic reaction, arthralgia, arthritis, asthenia, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, blurred vision, bronchitis, cataract, chest pain, conjunctival edema, conjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctivitis, cough, dizziness, diabetes mellitus, dyspepsia, dyspnea, epiphora, eye discharge, eye dryness, eye irritation, eye pain, eyelid edema, eyelid erythema, fatigue, flu syndrome, follicular conjunctivitis, foreign body sensation, gastrointestinal disorder, headache, hypercholesterolemia, hypotension, infection, insomnia, joint disorder, keratitis, lid disorder, osteoporosis, pharyngitis, photophobia, rash, rhinitis, sinus infection, sinusitis, somnolence, stinging, superficial punctate keratopathy, tearing, visual field defect, vitreous detachment, vitreous disorder, vitreous floaters, and worsened visual acuity. The following adverse reactions were reported in less than 1% of subjects: corneal erosion, nasal dryness, and taste perversion. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
• Bradycardia, iritis, miosis, skin reactions (including erythema, eyelid pruritis, rash, and vasodilation), and tachycardia.
• Apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, hypotonia, and somnolence have been reported in infants receiving brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solutions.
Drug interactions
• Concomitant use with systemic beta-blockers may potentiate systemic beta-blockade ( 7.1 ).
• Use with CNS depressants may result in an additive or potentiating effect ( 7.2 ).
• Tricyclic antidepressants may potentially blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine ( 7.3 ).
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may result in increased hypotension ( 7.4 ). 7.1 Anti-hypertensives / Cardiac Glycosides Alpha-2 agonists, as a class, may reduce blood pressure. Caution in using drugs such as beta-blockers (ophthalmic and systemic), anti-hypertensives and/or cardiac glycosides is advised. 7.2 CNS Depressants Although specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15%, the possibility of an additive or potentiating effect with CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anesthetics) should be considered. 7.3 Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine. It is not known whether the concurrent use of these agents with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% in humans can lead to resulting interference with its IOP-lowering effect. Caution, however, is advised in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants, which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines. 7.4 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may theoretically interfere with the metabolism of brimonidine and potentially result in an increased systemic side-effect such as hypotension. Caution is advised in patients taking MAO inhibitors which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Use in specific populations
Use with caution in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older ( 8.4 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% in pregnant women. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. In animal studies, brimonidine crossed the placenta and entered into the fetal circulation to a limited extent (see Data). Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data Human Data Limited available data from postmarketing safety reports and published literature with topical use of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of pregnancy-related adverse outcomes including miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomaly, and events experiences by offspring while breastfeeding. Animal Data Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits administered brimonidine tartrate by daily oral gavage on gestation days 6 to 18, to target the period of organogenesis. Brimonidine caused miscarriage at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 50-times the recommended human ophthalmic dose (RHOD) based on AUC). The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for developmental toxicity in rabbits was 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 6-fold the RHOD based on AUC). No treatment-related malformations were observed in rabbits. Signs of maternal sedation and fatigue were observed at all dose levels; the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for maternal toxicity was 5 mg/kg/day, based on the dose-response for these signs. Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rats administered brimonidine tartrate by daily oral gavage on gestation days 6 to 15, to target the period of organogenesis. The NOAEL for developmental toxicity was 2.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 750-fold the RHOD based on AUC). No treatment-related malformations were observed in rats. The LOAEL for maternal toxicity was 2.5 mg/kg/day, based on signs of sedation and fatigue. The maternal NOAEL was 1 mg/kg/day (180-fold the RHOD based on AUC). After pregnant rats received a single oral dose of 14 C-brimonidine tartrate, brimonidine and metabolites crossed the placenta and were detectable in fetal blood and organs. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary It is not known whether brimonidine tartrate is excreted in human milk. In animal studies, brimonidine has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and is excreted into breast milk after oral administration to lactating rats (see Data) . Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including central nervous system depression and apnea, from brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% in nursing infants, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is not recommended for use during lactation. Data Animal Data After a single oral dose of 14 C-labeled brimonidine tartrate to lactating rats, brimonidine and metabolites were detected in milk. After male and female rats received a single oral dose of 14 C-brimonidine tartrate, brimonidine crossed the blood:brain barrier. Radiolabel was detected in the cerebellum, cerebrum, and spinal cord. 8.4 Pediatric Use Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is contraindicated in pediatric patients younger than 2 years old [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )] . During postmarketing surveillance, apnea, bradycardia, coma, hypotension, hypothermia, hypotonia, lethargy, pallor, respiratory depression, and somnolence have been reported in infants receiving brimonidine. In a well-controlled clinical study conducted in pediatric glaucoma patients aged 2 to 7 years old, the most commonly observed adverse events with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% dosed three-times-daily were somnolence (50% to 83% in pediatric patients aged 2 to 6 years old) and decreased alertness. In pediatric patients aged 7 years and older (>20 kg), somnolence appears to occur less frequently (25%). Approximately 16% of pediatric patients on brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution discontinued from the study due to somnolence. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% in pregnant women. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. In animal studies, brimonidine crossed the placenta and entered into the fetal circulation to a limited extent (see Data). Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data Human Data Limited available data from postmarketing safety reports and published literature with topical use of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of pregnancy-related adverse outcomes including miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomaly, and events experiences by offspring while breastfeeding. Animal Data Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits administered brimonidine tartrate by daily oral gavage on gestation days 6 to 18, to target the period of organogenesis. Brimonidine caused miscarriage at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 50-times the recommended human ophthalmic dose (RHOD) based on AUC). The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for developmental toxicity in rabbits was 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 6-fold the RHOD based on AUC). No treatment-related malformations were observed in rabbits. Signs of maternal sedation and fatigue were observed at all dose levels; the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for maternal toxicity was 5 mg/kg/day, based on the dose-response for these signs. Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rats administered brimonidine tartrate by daily oral gavage on gestation days 6 to 15, to target the period of organogenesis. The NOAEL for developmental toxicity was 2.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 750-fold the RHOD based on AUC). No treatment-related malformations were observed in rats. The LOAEL for maternal toxicity was 2.5 mg/kg/day, based on signs of sedation and fatigue. The maternal NOAEL was 1 mg/kg/day (180-fold the RHOD based on AUC). After pregnant rats received a single oral dose of 14 C-brimonidine tartrate, brimonidine and metabolites crossed the placenta and were detectable in fetal blood and organs.
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is contraindicated in pediatric patients younger than 2 years old [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )] . During postmarketing surveillance, apnea, bradycardia, coma, hypotension, hypothermia, hypotonia, lethargy, pallor, respiratory depression, and somnolence have been reported in infants receiving brimonidine. In a well-controlled clinical study conducted in pediatric glaucoma patients aged 2 to 7 years old, the most commonly observed adverse events with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% dosed three-times-daily were somnolence (50% to 83% in pediatric patients aged 2 to 6 years old) and decreased alertness. In pediatric patients aged 7 years and older (>20 kg), somnolence appears to occur less frequently (25%). Approximately 16% of pediatric patients on brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution discontinued from the study due to somnolence.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.
Overdosage
Limited information exists on accidental ingestion of brimonidine in adults; the only adverse reaction reported to date has been hypotension. Symptoms of brimonidine overdose have been reported in neonates, infants, and children receiving brimonidine tartrate as part of medical treatment of congenital glaucoma or accidental oral ingestion [see Use In Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . Treatment of an oral overdose includes supportive and symptomatic therapy; a patent airway should be maintained.
Description
Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% (1.5 mg brimonidine tartrate per mL equivalent to 1.0 mg brimonidine free base per mL) is a relatively selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist for topical ophthalmic use. The chemical name of brimonidine tartrate is 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolidinylideneamino) quinoxaline L-tartrate. It is a white to off-white, pale yellow to yellow powder. It has a molecular weight of 442.24 as the tartrate salt, and is both soluble in water (1.5 mg/mL) and in the product vehicle (3.0 mg/mL) at pH 7.2. The structural formula is: Formula: C 11 H 10 BrN 5
• C 4 H 6 O 6 CAS Number: 59803-98-4 In solution, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% has a clear, pale yellow to greenish yellow color. It has an osmolality of 250 - 350 mOsmol/kg and a pH of 6.6 to 7.4. Contains: Active ingredient: brimonidine tartrate 1.5 mg/mL (1.5 mg/mL), Preservative: Polyquad (polyquaternium-1) 0.001% (0.01 mg/mL), Inactives: boric acid, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, mannitol, potassium chloride, povidone, purified water, sodium borate, sodium chloride, with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. chemical
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Fluorophotometric studies in animals and humans suggest that brimonidine tartrate has a dual mechanism of action by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.
How supplied
Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is supplied sterile in opaque white LDPE plastic bottles and natural tips with purple polypropylene caps as follows: 5 mL in 8 mL bottle NDC 61314-144-05 10 mL in 10 mL bottle NDC 61314-144-10 15 mL in 15 mL bottle NDC 61314-144-15 Storage: Store at 15°C to 25° C (59°F to 77°F). After opening, Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% can be used until the expiration date on the bottle.
Patient information
Handling the Container Instruct patients that ocular solutions, if handled improperly or if the tip of the dispensing container contacts the eye or surrounding structures, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Always replace the cap after using. If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use. Do not use the product after the expiration date marked on the bottle. When to Seek Physician Advice Advise patients that if they have ocular surgery or develop an intercurrent ocular condition (e.g., trauma or infection), they should immediately seek their physician's advice concerning the continued use of the present multidose container. Use with Other Ophthalmic Drugs Advise patients that if more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five minutes apart. Potential for Decreased Mental Alertness As with other drugs in this class, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% may cause fatigue and/or drowsiness in some patients. Patients who engage in hazardous activities should be cautioned of the potential for a decrease in mental alertness. Rx Only **ALPHAGAN P is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. Manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Fort Worth, Texas 76134 for Sandoz Inc. Princeton, NJ 08540 300069925-1125
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Sandoz Inc (revised Nov 24, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Brimonidine Tartrate in 22 products
Brimonidine Tartrate NDC products (22)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62332-749 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
| 46708-749 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited | ANDA |
| 60505-0564 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1.5 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Apotex Corp. | ANDA |
| 60505-0577 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Apotex Corp. | ANDA |
| 24208-411 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Bausch & Lomb Incorporated | ANDA |
| 71921-185 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mg Solution/ Drops | Florida Pharmaceutical Products, LLC | ANDA |
| 68083-626 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Gland Pharma Limited | ANDA |
| 14445-400 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mg Solution/ Drops | Indoco Remedies Limited | ANDA |
| 42571-419 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Micro Labs Limited | ANDA |
| 42571-462 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Micro Labs Limited | ANDA |
| 61314-143 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mL Solution | Sandoz Inc | ANDA |
| 70069-568 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Somerset Therapeutics, LLC | ANDA |
| 70069-231 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Somerset Therapeutics, LLC | ANDA |
| 70069-232 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Somerset Therapeutics, LLC | ANDA |
| 70069-233 | Brimonidine Tartrate 2 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Somerset Therapeutics, LLC | ANDA |
| 70069-566 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Somerset Therapeutics, LLC | ANDA |
| 70069-567 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Somerset Therapeutics, LLC | ANDA |
| 0832-1435 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | ANDA |
| 0832-1420 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1.5 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | ANDA |
| 61314-144 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1.5 mg/mL Solution | Sandoz Inc | NDA |
| 82182-321 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Pacific Pharma, Inc. | NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC |
| 82182-773 | Brimonidine Tartrate 1.5 mg/mL Solution/ Drops | Pacific Pharma, Inc. | NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC |
Brimonidine Tartrate recalls
- D-0433-2023 Mar 15, 2023 · Class II · Completed
Lack of sterility assurance: Cracks have developed in some of the units caps of Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution bottles. There is a possibility the broken cap may impact sterility. - D-1373-2020 Jul 15, 2020 · Class III · Terminated
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specification: There is a slow leaching process from the product label on the bottle which may impact the product over the shelf life. - D-1374-2020 Jul 15, 2020 · Class III · Terminated
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specification: There is a slow leaching process from the product label on the bottle which may impact the product over the shelf life. - D-1375-2020 Jul 15, 2020 · Class III · Terminated
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specification: There is a slow leaching process from the product label on the bottle which may impact the product over the shelf life.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brimonidine Tartrate used for?
Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is indicated for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension ( 1 ).
What are the side effects of Brimonidine Tartrate?
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old) [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )] • Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Severe Cardiovascular Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Contamination of Topical Ophthalmic Products… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Brimonidine Tartrate?
Brimonidine Tartrate is listed by 12 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc., Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, Apotex Corp., Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
Has Brimonidine Tartrate been recalled?
The FDA enforcement database lists 4 recalls for Brimonidine Tartrate, most recently D-0433-2023 (class ii): Lack of sterility assurance: Cracks have developed in some of the units caps of Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution bottles. There is a possibility the…