Alphagan
(brimonidine)
(brimonidine)
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In this factsheet:
How does Alphagan work? What will it do for me?
How should I use Alphagan?
What form(s) does Alphagan come in?
Who should NOT take Alphagan?
What side effects are possible with Alphagan?
Are there any other precautions or warnings for Alphagan?
What other drugs could interact with Alphagan?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)02236876 ALPHAGAN 0.2% OPHTHALMIC DROPS
02248151 ALPHAGAN P 0.15% OPHTHALMIC DROPS
How does Alphagan work? What will it do for me?
How should I use Alphagan?
What form(s) does Alphagan come in?
Who should NOT take Alphagan?
What side effects are possible with Alphagan?
Are there any other precautions or warnings for Alphagan?
What other drugs could interact with Alphagan?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)02236876 ALPHAGAN 0.2% OPHTHALMIC DROPS
02248151 ALPHAGAN P 0.15% OPHTHALMIC DROPS
How does Alphagan eye drops work? What will it do for me?
Brimonidine belongs to the family of medications known as alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonists. It is available in eye-drop form and is used to reduce the pressure inside the eye for people with open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension (increased pressure in the eye).
Fluid is constantly being formed and drained out of the eye. When this fluid does not drain out of the eye properly, pressure inside the eye increases. Brimonidine works by reducing the amount of fluid produced by the eye and by increasing the flow of fluid out of the eye. It starts to work within 2 hours after being instilled in the eye.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use Alphagan?
How should I use Alphagan?
The usual recommended dose for adults is one drop of brimonidine 0.2% solution into the affected eye(s) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart (e.g., in the morning and at bedtime).
For brimonidine 0.15% ophthalmic drops, the recommended dose for adults is one drop of solution into the affected eye(s) 3 times daily, approximately 8 hours apart.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Some bottles that contain the eye drops are equipped with a special cap to help you remember how many times to use your drops each day. See the package insert for an illustration of how to properly use these drops.
To use the eye drops:
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Remove the cap and place it in a clean location. To avoid possible contamination, keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface.
Tilt the head back and look towards the ceiling.
With your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down and away from the eye to form a pouch.
Apply one drop into the pouch but do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eye or areas around the eye.
Gently apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye (at the bridge of the nose) for about 30 seconds (this is called nasolacrimal occlusion). This prevents the medication from dripping down through the tear duct and entering the bloodstream, which could cause you to experience some side effects.
Repeat with the other eye, if prescribed by your physician.
Wash your hands again to remove any medication.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Remove the cap and place it in a clean location. To avoid possible contamination, keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface.
Tilt the head back and look towards the ceiling.
With your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down and away from the eye to form a pouch.
Apply one drop into the pouch but do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eye or areas around the eye.
Gently apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye (at the bridge of the nose) for about 30 seconds (this is called nasolacrimal occlusion). This prevents the medication from dripping down through the tear duct and entering the bloodstream, which could cause you to experience some side effects.
Repeat with the other eye, if prescribed by your physician.
Wash your hands again to remove any medication.
Do not allow the dropper tip of the bottle to touch the eye or other surrounding structures. This can contaminate the tip with common bacteria known to cause eye infections. Serious damage to the eye may result if you use eye drop solutions that have become contaminated.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling brimonidine into your eye. You may put your contact lenses back in 15 minutes after using the medication.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Some brands require you to discard any remaining medication 28 days after opening the container and begin using a new bottle. Check the package insert or with your pharmacist for more information.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Alphagan come in?
Alphagan 0.2%
Each 1 mL of sterile ophthalmic solution contains brimonidine tartrate 2 mg (0.2%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride (as preservative), citric acid, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), polyvinyl alcohol, purified water, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate.
Each 1 mL of sterile ophthalmic solution contains brimonidine tartrate 2 mg (0.2%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride (as preservative), citric acid, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), polyvinyl alcohol, purified water, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate.
Alphagan 0.15%
Each 1 mL of ophthalmic solution contains brimonidine tartrate 1.5 mg (0.15%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: stabilized oxychloro complex as preservative, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, boric acid, sodium borate decahydrate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride dihydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, potassium chloride, and purified water with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH.
Each 1 mL of ophthalmic solution contains brimonidine tartrate 1.5 mg (0.15%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: stabilized oxychloro complex as preservative, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, boric acid, sodium borate decahydrate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride dihydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, potassium chloride, and purified water with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH.