Generic drug: brimonidine tartrate
Brand Qoliana: Qoliana
What is Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution, and how does it work?
Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution is a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Qoliana is available in generic form.
What are the side effects of Qoliana?
Common side effects of Qoliana include:
- eye redness,
- inflammation,
- itching, and
- tearing
Other side effects of Qoliana include
- burning sensation,
- high blood pressure (hypertension),
- allergic reaction in the eyes,
- dry mouth, and
- visual disturbances.
What is the dosage for Qoliana?
- The recommended dose is one drop of Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% in the affected eye(s) three-times daily, approximately 8 hours apart.
- Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
What drugs interact with Qoliana?
Anti-Hypertensives / Cardiac Glycosides
- Alpha-2 agonists, as a class, may reduce blood pressure. Caution in using drugs such as beta-blockers (ophthalmic and systemic), anti-hypertensives and/or cardiac glycosides is advised.
CNS Depressants
- Although specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with
Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15%, the possibility of an additive or potentiating effect with CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anesthetics) should be considered.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine. It is not known whether the concurrent use of these agents with
Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% in humans can lead to resulting interference with its IOP-lowering effect. Caution, however, is advised in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants, which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may theoretically interfere with the metabolism of brimonidine and potentially result in an increased systemic side-effect such as hypotension. Caution is advised in patients taking MAO inhibitors which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Is Qoliana safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In
animal studies, brimonidine crossed the placenta and entered into the fetal
circulation to a limited extent. Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution), 0.15% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. - It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. In animal studies, brimonidine tartrate was excreted in breast milk.
- A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.