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Abstract #15847 Published in IGR 2-3
Anterior uveitis as a side effect of topical brimonidine
Byles DB; Frith P; Salmon JFAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology 2000; 130: 287-291
PURPOSE: To report anterior uveitis as a late side-effect of topical brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (Alphagan; Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA). METHODS: Four patients aged 79-91 (mean, 83) years, who developed acute anterior uveitis while using topical brimonidine for chronic glaucoma, were clinically evaluated for causes of uveitis. When the inflammation had completely cleared, topical brimonidine was recommenced in one eye only to determine causality. RESULTS: All four patients developed acute granulomatous anterior uveitis, which resolved rapidly on stopping brimonidine and receiving treatment with topical corticosteroids. The uveitis occurred 11-15 (mean, 13.8) months after commencement of brimonidine 0.2% twice daily. None of the patients had a previous history of uveitis, and no other identifiable cause of uveitis was found. In all patients, on rechallenge with brimonidine instilled twice daily to one eye, uveitis recurred within three weeks in that eye only. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that brimonidine can cause anterior uveitis as a late side-effect. The inflammation settles rapidly on stopping the medication and on using topical corticosteroids and recurs on rechallenge with brimonidine.
Dr. J.F. Salmon, Oxford Eye Hospital, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK
Classification:
11.3.3 Apraclonidine, brimonidine (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)