Brimonidine-induced anterior uveitis and conjunctivitis: clinical and histologic features

J Glaucoma. 2008 Jan-Feb;17(1):40-2. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0b013e3181132188.

Abstract

Brimonidine tartarate is a selective alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist that is indicated for use in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Since its introduction in 1997 there have been a small number of case reports concerning granulomatous anterior uveitis as a late adverse reaction to long-term brimonidine therapy. We report a case of bilateral anterior uveitis and granulomatous papillary conjunctivitis in a 78-year-old gentleman after 2 years of brimonidine therapy. Cessation of brimonidine lead to rapid termination of uveitis. The histologic features of the conjunctiva are described. This has not been previously reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Aged
  • Brimonidine Tartrate
  • Conjunctiva / pathology
  • Conjunctivitis / chemically induced*
  • Conjunctivitis / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / drug therapy
  • Granuloma / chemically induced
  • Granuloma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quinoxalines / adverse effects*
  • Uveitis, Anterior / chemically induced*
  • Uveitis, Anterior / diagnosis

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Quinoxalines
  • Brimonidine Tartrate