Alphagan-P
From PharmDatabase.org
Generic name: Brimonidine
Brand names: Alphagan, Alphagan-P
Related Medical Conditions: Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension
Related Groups: Antiglaucoma Agent, Ophthalmic
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What is Alphagan-P?
Brimonidine ophthalmic lowers the amount of fluid inside your eyes and also helps the eyes drain fluid more effectively.
Brimonidine ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). Brimonidine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Alphagan-P Usage and Dosage
Use brimonidine exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying brimonidine. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after putting in the brimonidine eye drops. Brimonidine ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride) that may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Brimonidine ophthalmic is usually used three times a day. Follow your doctor's directions.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid changes colors or has particles in it. The dose of ophthalmic brimonidine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic brimonidine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
- For glaucoma or ocular hypertension:
- Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Use one drop in the affected eye or eyes three times a day about 8 hours apart.
- Children less than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Alphagan-P Side Effects
Stop using brimonidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use brimonidine and talk to your doctor if you have:
- burning, stinging, or itching of the eye;
- blurred vision;
- redness or watering of the eye;
- sensitivity to light;
- swollen or puffy eyes;
- discharge from the eye;
- headache, fatigue, or dizziness;
- dry nose or mouth; or
- a change in taste.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Other Drugs Interaction
Do not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
Although drug interactions between brimonidine ophthalmic and drugs taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Drugs that make you drowsy or dizzy, such as sedatives, sleeping pills, antihistamines (allergy medicines), alcohol, and pain relievers, may cause excessive drowsiness if they are taken while using brimonidine ophthalmic. Also, brimonidine ophthalmic may further slow your heart rate or lower your blood pressure if you also take medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect brimonidine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Alphagan-P Storage
To store this medicine: Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
