Brimonidine / Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2024.

Applies to brimonidine/brinzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic suspension.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, brimonidine/brinzolamide ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking brimonidine / brinzolamide ophthalmic:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• discoloration of the white part of the eye
• eye irritation or redness

Less common side effects

• decreased vision
• eye pain
• eyes sensitive to light
• red, sore eyes

Rare side effects

• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• discharge or excessive tearing
• hives or welts
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• skin rash

Incidence not known

• chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils (black part of the eye)
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• hoarseness
• irritation
• itching
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• redness of the skin
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tearing
• throbbing pain
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• unusual tiredness
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• muscle pain
• red irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking brimonidine / brinzolamide ophthalmic:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• muscle cramps or pain
• numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
• seizures
• sweating
• trembling
• weakness and heaviness of the legs

Other side effects

Some side effects of brimonidine / brinzolamide ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• burning and stinging sensation
• change in color vision
• change in taste
• difficulty seeing at night
• drowsiness
• feeling of having something in the eye
• headache
• increase in blood flow to the whites of the eyes
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of taste
• paleness of the eye or inner lining of the eyelid
• redness and tiny bumps on the lining of the eyelid

Less common side effects

• dry eyes
• dry mouth
• muscle pain
• sneezing
• stuffy or runny nose
• trouble sleeping

Rare side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• body aches or pain
• cough
• crusting in the corner of the eye
• double vision
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• excessive muscle tone
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• heartburn
• hoarseness
• indigestion
• muscle stiffness, tension, or tightness
• nausea
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• voice changes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to brimonidine / brinzolamide ophthalmic: ophthalmic suspension.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were blurred vision, ocular hyperemia, eye allergy, dry mouth, and dysgeusia.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis, urticaria, rash, maculo-papular rash, generalized pruritus, alopecia, skin tightness
• Frequency not reported: Dermatitis, erythema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia, esophagitis, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, frequent bowel movements, flatulence, oral hypoesthesia, oral paresthesia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardio-respiratory distress, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, palpitations, irregular heart rate, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypotension, chest discomfort
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Chest pain
• Postmarketing reports: Pallor^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Back pain, muscle spasms, myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, pain in extremity^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, dizziness, dysgeusia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, motor dysfunction, amnesia, memory impairment, paresthesia, vertigo, tinnitus, feeling jittery
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Syncope
• Frequency not reported: Tremor, hypoesthesia, ageusia
• Postmarketing reports: Coma, lethargy^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Eye allergy, keratitis, eye pain, ocular discomfort, blurred vision, abnormal vision, ocular hyperemia, conjunctival blanching
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Corneal erosion, corneal edema, blepharitis, corneal deposits (keratic precipitates), conjunctival disorder (papilla) , photophobia, photopsia, eye swelling, eyelid edema, conjunctival edema, dry eye, eye discharge, reduced visual acuity, increased lacrimation, pterygium, erythema of eyelid, meibomianitis, diplopia, glare, eye hypoesthesia, scleral pigmentation, subconjunctival cyst, abnormal sensation in eye, asthenopia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Uveitis, miosis
• Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances, madarosis
• Postmarketing reports: Iritis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain, feeling abnormal, irritability
• Frequency not reported: Face edema, peripheral edema
• Postmarketing reports: Hypothermia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Apathy, depression, insomnia, nightmare, nervousness^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal pain
• Frequency not reported: Pollakiuria^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, dyspnea, bronchial hyperactivity, pharyngolaryngeal pain, dry throat, cough, epistaxis, upper respiratory tract congestion, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, nasal dryness, postnasal drip, sneezing
• Frequency not reported: Rhinitis, asthma
• Postmarketing reports: Apnea, respiratory depression^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased red blood cell, increased blood chloride^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Abnormal liver function^[Ref]

Further information

Brimonidine/brinzolamide ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer