Can you take brimonidine while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Limited information indicates that maternal use of brimonidine 0.2% ophthalmic drops do not adversely affect their nursing infants. However, some authors and the manufacturer warn of possible CNS depression, apnea, lethargy, bradycardia with brimonidine and recommend against its use during breastfeeding. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue. The manufacturer of Combigan states that it is not recommended for use during lactation, but there is no evidence for this statement.
Topical brimonidine gel used to treat rosacea has not been studied during breastfeeding. It is unlikely that the topical gel would affect the breastfed infant, but the manufacturer states that it should not be used during nursing. Until more data are available, an alternative topical agent might be preferred
Quoted from Brimonidine — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised April 15, 2026.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of brimonidine. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much brimonidine gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
A woman used brimonidine 0.2%, timolol gel-forming solution 0.5%, dipivefrin 0.2%, and dorzolamide 0.5% drops for glaucoma while nursing a newborn. The frequency of medication use, and extent of nursing were not stated. All medications were given immediately after nursing with punctal occlusion of the tear duct. The infant's vital signs were closely monitored with no signs of bradycardia or apnea.
A woman was using ophthalmic drops containing 0.5% timolol and 0.2% brimonidine twice daily in the right eye for 6 months. During this time, she breastfed her infant (extent not stated) apparently without harm to her infant.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take brimonidine while breastfeeding?
Limited information indicates that maternal use of brimonidine 0.2% ophthalmic drops do not adversely affect their nursing infants. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of brimonidine while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Azelaic Acid, Metronidazole as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does brimonidine pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for brimonidine are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking brimonidine?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on brimonidine
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.