Industry

FDA approves Brytly redness-relieving drop

Healio Optometry3d ago1 min read

Editor’s note: This is a developing news story. Please check back soon for updates.The FDA approved Brytly, a nonprescription eye drop for the relief of eye redness from minor irritations, according to a press release.Brytly (apraclonidine ophthalmic solution, 0.125%, Alcon) is approved for people aged 12 and older and is meant to be used no more than two times per day. Contact lenses should be removed prior to use, and users should wait at least 10 minutes after applying the drops before reinserting their contacts. Users should also wait 5 minutes before applying other eye drops.The

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AI Summary

Quick Take

The FDA has approved Alcon’s Brytly (apraclonidine ophthalmic solution, 0.125%) as a nonprescription eye drop for the relief of ocular redness due to minor irritations. Indicated for patients aged 12 and older, the drop is designed for twice-daily use and marks a new entry into the over-the-counter redness relief market.

Why It Matters

The introduction of a low-dose apraclonidine drop to the OTC market provides a new alternative to traditional vasoconstrictors like tetrahydrozoline, which are frequently associated with rebound hyperemia and tachyphylaxis. While brimonidine has recently dominated the premium redness-relief category, Brytly offers another alpha-agonist option for patients seeking fast-acting symptomatic relief. Clinicians should be prepared to discuss how this new formulation compares to existing options, particularly regarding dosing frequency and its profile as a nonprescription treatment.

Key Details

Brytly is formulated as apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.125%, a lower concentration than prescription versions used for intraocular pressure management.
The product is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Dosing is limited to a maximum of two times per day for the relief of redness from minor irritations.
Users must remove contact lenses prior to application and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them.
A minimum 5-minute interval is required between the application of Brytly and any other ophthalmic drops.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should advise patients that Brytly is intended for symptomatic relief and should not exceed the twice-daily dosing limit. It is essential to reinforce the 10-minute waiting period for contact lens reinsertion to ensure safety and efficacy. As with all OTC redness relievers, practitioners should use patient inquiries about Brytly as an opportunity to screen for underlying ocular surface disease or chronic inflammation that may require prescription intervention.

Who's Affected

OptometristsOphthalmologistsContact Lens FittersPharmacists

What's Next

Following this FDA approval, Brytly is expected to become available in retail pharmacies. Eye care providers should monitor for clinical feedback regarding its efficacy and patient satisfaction compared to other alpha-agonist redness relievers currently on the market.

Evidence StrengthStrong

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