What is Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
Brimonidine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.
Brimonidine ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).
Brimonidine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
Do not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.
Before using brimonidine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, circulation problems such as Raynaud’s or Buerger’s disease, or a history of fainting or low blood pressure.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using brimonidine before putting your contact lenses in.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to brimonidine.
Do not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.
Before using brimonidine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart disease or high blood pressure
- circulation problems, such as Raynaud’s syndrome or Buerger’s disease; or
- a history of fainting or low blood pressure
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use brimonidine ophthalmic.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether brimonidine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Alphagan Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- slow or uneven heart rate
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out
- severe swelling, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye
- eye pain or increased watering; or
- numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet
Less serious side effects may include:
- burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes
- feeling like something is in your eye
- blurred vision
- redness of the eye or eyelid
- mildly swollen or puffy eyes
- sensitivity to light
- nausea, upset stomach
- headache, dizziness
- muscle pain
- tired feeling
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- dry nose or mouth; or
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Alphagan Interactions
What other drugs affect Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
Before using brimonidine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medications:
- blood pressure medications
- digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
- a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol (Betoptic, Kerlone), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol, Ocupress), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Betimol, Blocadren, Cosopt, Timoptic, Istalol), and others; or
- antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with brimonidine ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
Brimonidine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid using any eye medications your doctor has not prescribed.
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, sedatives, and medicine for seizures can add to sleepiness caused by brimonidine ophthalmic. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.
Alphagan Dosage
How should I take Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using brimonidine before putting your contact lenses in.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct
- If you use any other eye medications, wait about 5 minutes after using brimonidine eye drops before using the other medication
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I overdose on Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of brimonidine ophthalmic is unlikely to cause life-threatening side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose of Alphagan (Brimonidine Ophthalmic)?
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.
Edited from everydayhealth.com