Alphagan P

The active ingredient in Alphagan P is brimonidine tartrate, which is considered an alpha-2 agonist eye drop. It works by lowering the fluid in your eye. With lower fluid inside of your eye, your eye pressure will decrease. This is crucial for individuals suffering from glaucoma and ocular hypertension, as it helps to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve your vision.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full prescribing information, FDA-approved product labeling, and Medication Guide before using Alphagan P. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for taking Alphagan P:

• Wash your hands before applying Alphagan P to your eyes. Be sure that you do not touch the dropper with your hands, eyes, or any surface so that you can avoid infections. Infection could become a serious side effect.
• If you wear contact lenses, make sure that you remove your contacts before each dose of Alphagan P as it has preservatives that have the potential to be absorbed by soft contact lenses and can cause damage.. After applying the medication, make sure you wait at least fifteen minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.
• Apply the medication to the affected eye.
• Generally, the directions are to tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch.
• From there, apply one (unless otherwise prescribed) drop from the dropper into the pouch.
• Then, tilt your head downward and keep your eyes closed for about one to two minutes without blinking or squinting.
• If you have been prescribed more than one drop, make sure that you wait five minutes between drops.
• Often, you will need to apply the medication three times a day, evenly spaced out throughout the day. Make sure that you only use this medication in your eye, unless otherwise prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• If you have other medications to put into your eyes, make sure that you are waiting five minutes between each so that the medication gets absorbed into your eyes.
• There are some side effects of taking Alphagan P. Make sure that you avoid operating machinery or participating in any activity that requires your alertness before you know how your body deals with the medication.
• Do not stop taking Alphagan P without consultation with your healthcare professional. They will know what treatment course is best for you.
• If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at once. Instead, take the missed dose as soon as you can on the same day. The next day, return to your normal schedule.

The most common side effects of Alphagan P seen in clinical trials include:

• Red eye
• Dry mouth or oral dryness
• Eye discharge
• Drowsiness
• Eye burning and stinging
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Headache
• Eye irritation
• The sensation that you have something in your eye
• Small white patches in your eyelids
• Tiredness
• Itchy eyes

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Alphagan P. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical assistance:

• Serious allergic reactions. Symptoms could include:
• Stinging, irritation, and/or burning of the eye
• Fast heartbeat
• Nausea
• Hives
• Vomiting
• Swelling of your lips, tongue, and face
• Rash
• Fever
• Worsening of low blood flow or low blood pressure
• Infections from contamination
• Alphagan P has the potential to cause bacterial keratitis, which is a bacterial infection in the cornea of your eye.
• Ensure that you follow the directions given to you by your doctor and highlighted above.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Alphagan P. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Alphagan P, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Low blood pressure or low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Had or are scheduled to have eye surgery
• Depression
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
• Other eye conditions, and are taking other antiglaucoma medications
• Thromboangiitis obliterans

It is contraindicated in infants and neonates (under the age of two years old).

Alphagan P (brimonidine), an eye drop medication commonly used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension, typically starts working within 30 minutes after administration. Its full effect, in terms of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), is usually reached within 2 hours of application.

When Alphagan P is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Tricyclic antidepressants
• CNS depressants
• Antihypertensives/cardiac glycosides
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Alphagan P comes in two dosage forms: a solution containing 0.1% or 0.15% of brimonidine tartrate.

Alphagan P should be stored at room temperature. Store it away from light and moisture. It is not recommended to store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Alphagan P (brimonidine) is manufactured by Allergan, a global pharmaceutical company that is now a part of AbbVie.

There are lower-cost generics available for Alphagan P.

To stop using Alphagan P, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider for a safe discontinuation plan. Stopping abruptly may cause a worsening of your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.