Brimonidine - Topical

Brimonidine is used to treat persistent redness of the face due to rosacea (skin flushing or blushing usually around your nose and cheeks).

Apply Brimonidine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often or over a larger area than instructed by your doctor.

To use the gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Clean and dry the affected area before application.
3. Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area(s) and rub gently on the skin until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
4. Wash your hands after using.
5. Replace the cap of the tube.

Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, or inside of the nose. Rinse immediately with plenty of water if any gel gets onto these areas. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

Brimonidine must be applied regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Brimonidine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Do not give this medicine to children below 2 years old unless instructed by the doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• orthostatic hypotension (a sudden fall in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying down position)
• severe, unstable or uncontrolled heart problems
• Raynaud's disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
• thromboangiitis obliterans (a rare disease of the small blood vessels in the hands and feet wherein the blood vessels become inflamed and blocked with blood clots)
• depression
• scleroderma (an autoimmune disorder characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin)
• Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease which affects the glands that make tears and saliva)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not apply on open wounds, irritated or damaged skin (including after laser therapy).

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Brimonidine may cause any of the following side effects: skin redness, burning, itching, and excessive skin whitening.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• severe skin irritation, inflammation, redness or flushing
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling around the face, throat, tongue or lips
• dizziness or passing out, slow heartbeat

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not use Brimonidine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for heart disease e.g. cardiac glycosides
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. reserpine
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine
• methylphenidate (medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a behavioural condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Brimonidine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.