Brimonidine

Abstract

A drug is a particular substance in physiology that exerts an effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. Drugs may be administered in a variety of constitutions from capsules, injections, creams, and ointments to inhalants, liquids, and dermal patches; via different routes, namely, topical, parenteral, and inhalation; and via injection routes such as subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous. The purpose of this column is to highlight some of the more commonly encountered drugs in dermatology. More specifically, this column will bring further understanding to the mechanism of action, administration, dosage, adverse effects, and viable alternatives to each particular drug being discussed. In this article, the role of the drug brimonidine tartrate, as a dermatologic treatment for erythema associated with rosacea, will be discussed.