The Sound of Evolution
Brimonidine
Mechanism of action:
Brimonidine is a selective α₂-adrenergic receptor agonist. Brimonidine acts on α₂ receptors in the ciliary body and retinal blood vessels, inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and lowering cAMP levels, thereby reducing aqueous humor secretion. It may also affect aqueous humor outflow through the scleral pathway. In cutaneous blood vessels, brimonidine also acts through α₂ receptors to induce vasoconstriction of small blood vessels, thereby reducing skin blood flow-related responses.
Reference(s):
1. Adkins JC et al. (1998). Brimonidine: A review of its pharmacological properties and clinical potential in the management of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Drugs Aging.
2. Cantor LB et al. (1997). Brimonidine. Expert Opin Investig Drugs.
3. Cantor LB et al. (2000). The evolving pharmacotherapeutic profile of brimonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, after four years of continuous use. Expert Opin Pharmacother.