Klin Farmakol Farm. 2005;19(1):57-58

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BRIMONIDINE - A NEW DRUG FOR TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Gabriela Nosáľová

Ústav farmakológie Jesseniovej lekárskej fakulty, UK Martin

The aim of this article is to show on the role of selective α2-adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. The representatives of this group of the antiglaucomatic drugs are: clonidine, apraclonidine and brimonidine. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of brimonidine accredit its special place in this group. Brimonidine tartrate [5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolidinylideneamino) quinoxaline L-tartrate] is a new highly selective alfa2-adrenoceptor agonist. Although structurally related to clonidine, brimonidine has grater selectivity for alfa2-adrenoceptors. Brimonidine is also less lipophilic and is, therefore, less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier than clonidine. Its very important property to reduce of intraocular pressure is primarily related to its ability facilitate uveoscleral aqueous humour outflow and decrease its production. Brimonidine also reduce of episcleral venous pressure. The neuroprotective effect on optic nerve was followed in experimental conditions, which could be considered as a new addition in the therapy of open-angle glaucoma.

Keywords: Key words: glaucoma, selective alfa2-adrenoceptor agonists, brimonidine.

Published: January 1, 2006  Show citation