For the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Brimonidine is an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist (primarily alpha-2). It has a peak ocular hypotensive effect occurring at two hours post-dosing. Fluorophotometric studies in animals and humans suggest that Brimonidine has a dual mechanism of action by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.
Oral LD<sub>50</sub> is 50 mg/kg in mice and 100 mg/kg in rats.
Minimal systemic absorption occurs after ocular insertion.
2 hours
It is metabolized primarily by the liver. Urinary excretion is the major route of elimination of the drug and its metabolites.