BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE solution/ drops

Brimonidine tartrate by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Brimonidine tartrate by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Pacific Pharma, Inc.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1       INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% or 0.15% is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

  • 2       DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    The recommended dosage is one drop of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% or 0.15% in the affected eye(s) three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% or 0.15% may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is to be used, the different products should be instilled at least 5 minutes apart.

  • 3       DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Ophthalmic solution containing 0.1% (1 mg/mL) or 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) brimonidine tartrate.

  • 4       CONTRAINDICATIONS

    4.1       Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old)

    Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 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 0.1% and 0.15% is contraindicated in patients who have exhibited a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of this medication in the past.

  • 5       WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1       Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency

    Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% may potentiate syndromes associated with vascular insufficiency. Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 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. Do not touch the tip of the dispensing container to the eye or surrounding structures. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].

  • 6       ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

    • 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)]
    • Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old) [see Contraindications (4.1)]

    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 receiving brimonidine ophthalmic solution (0.1% to 0.2%) included: allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and eye pruritus. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 5% to 9% included: burning sensation, conjunctival folliculosis, hypertension, ocular allergic reaction, oral dryness, and visual disturbance.

    Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 1% to 4% of the subjects receiving brimonidine ophthalmic solution (0.1% to 0.2%) included: abnormal taste, allergic reaction, asthenia, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, blurred vision, bronchitis, cataract, conjunctival edema, conjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctivitis, cough, dizziness, 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 (primarily colds and respiratory infections), insomnia, keratitis, lid disorder, 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 reactions were reported in less than 1% of subjects: corneal erosion, hordeolum, nasal dryness, and taste perversion.

    6.2       Postmarketing Experience

    The following reactions have been identified during postapproval use of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solutions. 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, depression, hypersensitivity, iritis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, miosis, nausea, skin reactions (including erythema, eyelid pruritus, rash, and vasodilation), syncope, and tachycardia.
    • Apnea, coma, hypotension, hypothermia, hypotonia, lethargy, pallor, respiratory depression, and somnolence have been reported in infants receiving brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solutions.
  • 7       DRUG INTERACTIONS

    7.1       Antihypertensives/Cardiac Glycosides

    Because brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% may reduce blood pressure, caution in using drugs such as antihypertensives and/or cardiac glycosides with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% is advised.

    7.2       CNS Depressants

    Although specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 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 0.1% and 0.15% in humans can lead to resulting interference with the IOP lowering effect. Caution 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.

  • 8       USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1       Pregnancy

    Risk Summary

    There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 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 0.1% and 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 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 experienced 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 70- or 50-times the recommended human ophthalmic dose [RHOD] based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for developmental toxicity in rabbits was 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 9- and 6-fold the RHOD based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). 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 1100- and 750-fold the RHOD based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). 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 1.0 mg/kg/day (250- and 180-fold the RHOD based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%).

    After pregnant rats received a single oral dose of 14C-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 tartrate 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 0.1% and 0.15% in nursing infants, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% is not recommended for use during lactation.

    Data

    Animal Data

    After a single oral dose of 14C-labeled brimonidine tartrate to lactating rats, brimonidine and metabolites were detected in milk. After male and female rats received a single oral dose of 14C-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 0.1% and 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 reactions with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% dosed three times daily were somnolence (50% to 83% in patients aged 2 to 6 years old) and decreased alertness. In pediatric patients aged 7 years and older (greater than 20 kg), somnolence appears to occur less frequently (25%). Approximately 16% of pediatric patients on brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% 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.

  • 10       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 ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% as part of medical treatment of congenital glaucoma or by 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.

  • 11       DESCRIPTION

    Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% or 0.15%, sterile, is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist for topical ophthalmic use.

    The structural formula of brimonidine tartrate is:

    The structural formula of brimonidine tartrate.

    5-Bromo-6-(2-imidazolidinylideneamino) quinoxaline L-tartrate; MW= 442.24

    In solution, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% has a clear, greenish-yellow color. It has an osmolality of 250-350 mOsmol/kg and a pH of 7.4-8.0 (0.1%) or 6.9-7.4 (0.15%).

    Brimonidine tartrate appears as an off-white to pale-yellow powder and is soluble in both water (0.6 mg/mL) and in the product vehicle (1.4 mg/mL) at pH 7.7.

    Each mL of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% contains the active ingredient brimonidine tartrate 0.1% (1 mg/mL) or 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) with the inactive ingredients sodium carboxymethylcellulose; sodium borate; boric acid; sodium chloride; potassium chloride; calcium chloride; magnesium chloride; PURITE® 0.005% (0.05 mg/mL) as a preservative; purified water; and hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

  • 12       CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1       Mechanism of Action

    Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with a peak ocular hypotensive effect occurring at two hours post-dosing.

    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.

    12.3       Pharmacokinetics

    Absorption

    After ocular administration of either a 0.1% or 0.2% solution, plasma concentrations peaked within 0.5 to 2.5 hours and declined with a systemic half-life of approximately 2 hours.

    Distribution

    Brimonidine was approximately 29% bound to plasma proteins in healthy subjects.

    Elimination

    Metabolism

    In humans, brimonidine is extensively metabolized by the liver.

    Excretion

    Urinary excretion is the major route of elimination of brimonidine and its metabolites. Approximately 87% of an orally-administered radioactive dose of brimonidine was eliminated within 120 hours, with 74% found in the urine.

  • 13       NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1       Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Carcinogenesis

    No compound-related carcinogenic effects were observed in either mice or rats following a 21-month and 24-month study, respectively. In these studies, dietary administration of brimonidine tartrate at doses up to 2.5 mg/kg/day in mice and 1 mg/kg/day in rats achieved approximately 150 and 120 times or 93 and 76 times the recommended human ophthalmic dose (RHOD) based on Cmax respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% or 0.15%.  

    Mutagenesis

    Brimonidine tartrate was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies including the Ames bacterial reversion test, chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, and three in vivo studies in CD-1 mice: a host-mediated assay, cytogenetic study, and dominant lethal assay.

    Impairment of Fertility

    A reproduction and fertility study in rats with brimonidine tartrate demonstrated no adverse effect on male or female fertility at oral doses up to 1mg/kg (approximately 250 or 180 times the recommended human ophthalmic dose [RHOD] based on estimated AUC) respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%. 

  • 14       CLINICAL STUDIES

    Elevated IOP presents a major risk factor in glaucomatous field loss. The higher the level of IOP, the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field loss. Brimonidine tartrate has the action of lowering intraocular pressure with minimal effect on cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters.

    Clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.15% compared with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% administered three-times-daily in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Those results indicated that brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.15% is comparable in IOP lowering effect to brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2%, and effectively lowers IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension by approximately 2-6 mmHg.

    A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% compared with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% administered three-times-daily in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Those results indicated that brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% is equivalent in IOP lowering effect to brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2%, and effectively lowers IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension by approximately 2-6 mmHg.

  • 16       HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% is supplied sterile, in teal opaque plastic LDPE bottles and tips, with purple high impact polystyrene (HIPS) caps as follows:

    0.1%

    5 mL in 10 mL bottle         NDC: 82182-321-05
    10 mL in 10 mL bottle       NDC: 82182-321-10
    15 mL in 15 mL bottle       NDC: 82182-321-15

    0.15%
    5 mL in 10 mL bottle         NDC: 82182-773-05
    10 mL in 10 mL bottle       NDC: 82182-773-10
    15 mL in 15 mL bottle       NDC: 82182-773-15

    Storage: Store at 15oC to 25oC (59oF to 77oF).

  • 17       PATIENT COUNSELING 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 similar medications, brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% and 0.15% may cause fatigue and/or drowsiness in some patients. Caution patients who engage in hazardous activities of the potential for a decrease in mental alertness.

    Distributed by:
    AbbVie Inc.
    North Chicago, IL 60064

    © 2025 AbbVie. All rights reserved.
    PACIFIC PHARMA and its design and PURITE are trademarks of Allergan, Inc., an AbbVie company.

    Pacific Pharma Logo

    20091159

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    NDC 82182-773-05
    PACIFIC
    PHARMA
    BRIMONIDINE
    TARTRATE
    ophthalmic
    solution,
    0.15%
    5     mL
    sterile
    Rx only     

    NDC 82182-773-05 PACIFIC PHARMA BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE ophthalmic solution, 0.15% 5 mL sterile Rx only

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

    NDC: 82182-321-05
    PACIFIC
    PHARMA
    BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE
    ophthalmic
    solution,
    0.1%
    5 mL
    sterile
    Rx only

    NDC: <a href=/NDC/82182-321-05>82182-321-05</a> PACIFIC PHARMA BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE ophthalmic solution, 0.1% 5 mL sterile Rx only

  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE 
    brimonidine tartrate solution/ drops
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 82182-773
    Route of AdministrationOPHTHALMIC
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE (UNII: 4S9CL2DY2H) (BRIMONIDINE - UNII:E6GNX3HHTE) BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE1.5 mg  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE SODIUM, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: K679OBS311)  
    SODIUM BORATE (UNII: 91MBZ8H3QO)  
    BORIC ACID (UNII: R57ZHV85D4)  
    SODIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 451W47IQ8X)  
    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 660YQ98I10)  
    CALCIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: M4I0D6VV5M)  
    MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 02F3473H9O)  
    SODIUM CHLORITE (UNII: G538EBV4VF)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    HYDROCHLORIC ACID (UNII: QTT17582CB)  
    SODIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: 55X04QC32I)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 82182-773-051 in 1 CARTON02/28/2022
    15 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    2NDC: 82182-773-101 in 1 CARTON02/28/2022
    210 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    3NDC: 82182-773-151 in 1 CARTON02/28/2022
    315 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    NDA authorized genericNDA02126202/28/2022
    BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE 
    brimonidine tartrate solution/ drops
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 82182-321
    Route of AdministrationOPHTHALMIC
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE (UNII: 4S9CL2DY2H) (BRIMONIDINE - UNII:E6GNX3HHTE) BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE1 mg  in 1 mL
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE SODIUM, UNSPECIFIED FORM (UNII: K679OBS311)  
    SODIUM BORATE (UNII: 91MBZ8H3QO)  
    BORIC ACID (UNII: R57ZHV85D4)  
    SODIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 451W47IQ8X)  
    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 660YQ98I10)  
    CALCIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: M4I0D6VV5M)  
    MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 02F3473H9O)  
    SODIUM CHLORITE (UNII: G538EBV4VF)  
    WATER (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    HYDROCHLORIC ACID (UNII: QTT17582CB)  
    SODIUM HYDROXIDE (UNII: 55X04QC32I)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 82182-321-051 in 1 CARTON01/02/2024
    15 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    2NDC: 82182-321-101 in 1 CARTON01/02/2024
    210 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    3NDC: 82182-321-151 in 1 CARTON01/02/2024
    315 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    NDA authorized genericNDA02177001/02/2024
    Labeler - Pacific Pharma, Inc. (877645267)
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