Does your face always turn red? Let's learn about Brimonidine Gel for rosacea.

Does your face suddenly turn red and feel like it's burning? Do you have small pimple-like bumps on your nose, cheeks, and forehead along with this redness? Sometimes it's hard to go out in front of people because of this condition, isn't it? In medicine, we call this condition rosacea . So, Brimonidine Gel is a gel that doctors often recommend to treat this, which is applied to the skin. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

What is Brimonidine Gel?

Simply put, Brimonidine is a medication that helps control redness and swelling in the skin. It comes in the form of a gel that you apply to the skin.

Imagine, there is a very fine network of blood vessels under the skin of our face. In a person with rosacea , these blood vessels often become unnecessarily enlarged (dilated), which is why the face looks red. When Brimonidine Gel is applied to the skin, it is absorbed into the skin and temporarily narrows those enlarged blood vessels . It is like squeezing a small tube. Then, the amount of blood flowing through those vessels decreases, and the redness on the face disappears for a few hours. This is a treatment that controls the symptoms rather than curing the disease.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes Brimonidine Gel for you, you should tell him or her a complete description of your health condition. Because some medical conditions require more caution when using this medicine.

If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor :

• If you have heart disease or blood pressure problems .
• If you are being treated for depression .
• If you have specific circulatory conditions such as Buerger's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, Scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome. (Your doctor will know these names, and if you have such a condition, you can just tell them the name).
• If you have wounds, scratches, or other infections on the skin where this medicine is to be applied.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are a nursing mother .
• If you have ever had an allergy to brimonidine or any other medicine, food, or dye.

How exactly do you use this gel?

To get the most out of this, you need to know exactly how to use it.

1. Cleanse your skin: Before applying the medication, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry thoroughly.

2. Don't use too much: Use only the amount your doctor tells you to. Usually, a pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face.

3. Apply a thin layer: Apply a small dot to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, and then apply a thin layer to your entire face. Be careful not to get it in your eyes, lips, or mouth . Also, avoid your nostrils.

4. Wash your hands: After applying the medicine, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

5. Use it at the right time: Do it exactly as your doctor tells you to use it, how many times a day and at what time. If it's only once a day, use it only that once.

6. Don't stop: Do not stop using the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.

What if I forget to apply it one day?

If this happens, apply it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next dose at the scheduled time. Never apply a double dose .

What if you accidentally use too much or someone swallows it?

This is a very important thing. Especially in a household with a small child , you need to be very careful about this.

If someone, especially a small child, accidentally swallows this gel, it is a very dangerous medical emergency . It can cause severe symptoms such as a very slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, sweating, and loss of consciousness.

Are there any side effects?

Like any medicine, Brimonidine Gel can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.

What other things can interact with this medicine?

When you use this gel, it may interact with some other things. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins). Especially:

• Alcohol
• Medications for blood pressure or heart disease
• Some medications for depression, such as MAOIs
• Medications that cause drowsiness (some medications for colds, coughs, and allergies)

How should I store the medicine?

• Keep it out of reach of children and pets . This is very important.
• Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat or extreme cold.
• Do not use after the expiration date . Throw away any leftovers.