Brimonidine Toxicity Secondary to Topical Use for an Ulcerated Hemangioma

Combigan (Allergan, Irvine, CA) is an ophthalmic solution that combines 0.2% brimonidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, with 0.5% timolol, a nonselective beta-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.