Brimonidine Toxicity Secondary to Topical Use for an Ulcerated Hemangioma

Pediatr Dermatol. 2016 Jul;33(4):e232-4. doi: 10.1111/pde.12868. Epub 2016 Jun 9.

Abstract

Combigan (Allergan, Irvine, CA) is an ophthalmic solution that combines 0.2% brimonidine, a selective α-2 adrenergic agonist, with 0.5% timolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic antagonist. It is approved for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. There have been recent reports of successful treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) using Combigan topically. We report the case of a 2-month-old girl who developed life-threatening brimonidine toxicity requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation secondary to central nervous system depression and apnea after topical application to an ulcerated IH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / toxicity*
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Apnea / chemically induced
  • Brimonidine Tartrate / administration & dosage
  • Brimonidine Tartrate / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Hemangioma, Capillary / complications
  • Hemangioma, Capillary / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia / chemically induced
  • Infant
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / chemically induced
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Timolol / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Brimonidine Tartrate
  • Timolol