Apparent central nervous system depression in infants after the use of topical brimonidine.
OBJECTIVE
To report two cases in which topical brimonidine resulted in apparent central nervous system depression and unresponsiveness in an infant.


METHODS
Review of two patients. An 11-day-old infant became lethargic and apneic after a single drop of brimonidine. These symptoms were reproduced after a second administration of brimonidine. A 5-month-old infant became lethargic and poorly responsive after receiving 1 drop of brimonidine in each eye.


RESULTS
The first patient required admission to the hospital for medical stabilization. He recovered without sequelae. The second patient recovered spontaneously approximately 2.5 hours after administration of brimonidine.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical brimonidine may be associated with central nervous system depression in infants. The use of brimonidine is not recommended in these patients until further data are available.
Carlsen
J O
JO
John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
Zabriskie
N A
NA
Kwon
Y H
YH
Barbe
M E
ME
Scott
W E
WE
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000151:congenital / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate