ABSTRACT
Brimonidine is a quinoxaline derivative and a selective a2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Upon ocular administration, brimonidine acts on the blood vessels causing them to constrict which leads to a decrease in the production of aqueous humor; it also enhances its outflow. Brimonidine ophthalmic solution is indicated for patients with open- angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension to lower intraocular pressure. A topical gel is indicated for the treatment of persistent facial erythema of rosacea in adults, where it reduces erythema through direct vasoconstriction. In ophthalmological literature, high percentages of ‘allergy’ to brimonidine have been reported. The symptoms are usually follicular conjunctivitis or allergic contact dermatoconjunctivitis, but may include itching, foreign-body sensation, tearing or discharge, chemosis, hyperemia, and eyelid edema and erythema. A 24-year-old woman presented with facial dermatitis 6 months after starting to use brimonidine tartrate 0.33% gel once daily for the treatment of her rosaceal erythema.
