Brinzolamide, Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic drops, suspension

What is this medicine?

BRIMONIDINE; BRINZOLAMIDE (bri MOE ni deen; bryn XOE la mide) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Buerger's disease

• closed-angle glaucoma

• depression

• eye infection or damage

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• Raynaud's phenomenon

• an unusual or allergic reaction to brimonidine, brinzolamide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before using. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines that cause drowsiness or tiredness

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using this medicine. Wait 15 minutes before putting them back into your eyes.

If you are using another eye medicine, wait at least 5 minutes in between using each medicine.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bleeding in your eye

• changes in vision

• fever

• infected, swollen eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

• bitter taste

• burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using

• dry eyes

• headache

• increased flow of tears

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.