Alphagan

This page contains drug information on Alphagan.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Alphagan
the possible side effects of Alphagan
what happens if you miss a dose of Alphagan
what happens if you overdose with Alphagan
the most important information about Alphagan
how to use Alphagan
other drugs that may affect Alphagan
what to avoid while using Alphagan
 
Generic Name: brimonidine ophthalmic (bri MOE ni deen)
Brand Names: Alphagan, Alphagan-P
 
What is the most important information I should know about alphagan?
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. alphagan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What is alphagan?
 •  alphagan reduces the amount of fluid in the eye in two ways: It reduces the production of fluid inside the eye, and it increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
 •  alphagan is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular (eye) hypertension (high pressure).
 •  alphagan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using alphagan?
 •  Do not use alphagan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
      · have kidney disease
      · have liver disease
      · have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure
      · take medicine to treat a heart condition
      · have Raynauds disease (poor circulation)
      · have thromboangiitis obliterans (blockage of the vessels, especially in the legs. Also called Buergers disease or Wiiwarter-Buerger disease)
      · have poor blood flow in any of the arteries in the heart or your neck
      · experience a lot of dizziness or
      · suffer from depression.
 •  You may not be able to use alphagan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  alphagan is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use alphagan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether brimonidine passes into breast milk. Do not use alphagan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use alphagan?
 •  Use alphagan eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
 •  Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
 •  If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying alphagan. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. alphagan may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
 •  To apply the eye drops:
      · Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.
 •  alphagan is usually used three times a day. Follow your doctors directions.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
 •  Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be harmful. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control left for advice.

What should I avoid while using alphagan?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. alphagan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
 •  If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying alphagan. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. alphagan may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
 •  Do not use other medications in the eyes during treatment with alphagan unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of alphagan?
 •  If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) to alphagan, stop using the medication and seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use alphagan and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · burning, stinging, or itching of the eye
      · blurred vision
      · redness or watering of the eye
      · sensitivity of the eye to light
      · swollen or puffy eyes
      · discharge from the eye
      · headache, fatigue, or dizziness
      · a dry nose
      · a dry 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.

What other drugs will affect alphagan?
 •  Do not use alphagan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
 •  Do not use other eye medications during treatment with alphagan unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
 •  Although drug interactions between alphagan 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 alphagan. Also, alphagan may further slow your heart rate or lower your blood pressure if it is used with other drugs that also have these effects.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with alphagan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.