ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/brimonidine-ophthalmic
US brand names:Alphagan
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that decreases aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow. Also neuroprotective to retinal ganglion cells.
TOXIC in cats and small dogs (systemic alpha-2 effects: sedation, bradycardia, hypotension). Avoid in cats. Use with caution in small dogs. Monitor for CNS depression.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | TOPICAL (ophthalmic) | TOXIC IN CATS — causes severe sedation, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia | CONTRAINDICATED | Strong | Riviere JE & Papich MG, Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, p.165 ('not recommended for veterinary patients'); corroborated for cats specifically by Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 9th Ed p.1376, whose cat-specific adverse-effect paragraph rests on in-cat primary studies (Ogata et al., Vet Anaesth Analg 2017;44:1091-1100, sedative and physiological effects in healthy cats; Kanda et al., J Feline Med Surg 2019) |
| Dog (Domestic) | TOPICAL (ophthalmic) | Use cautiously in small dogs — systemic alpha-2 effects possible | q8-12h | Weak | Gelatt KN, MacKay EO. Effect of single and multiple doses of 0.2% brimonidine tartrate in the glaucomatous beagle. Vet Ophthalmol. 2002;5(4):253-262. doi:10.1046/j.1463-5224.2002.00222.x — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1377 (2026-08-01). |
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