Alphagan

The active ingredient in Alphagan P is brimonidine tartrate, which is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. The mechanism of action involves reducing the volume of fluid in the eye. Eye pressure decreases as the amount of fluid within the eye decreases.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Alphagan P. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Alphagan P:

• The Alphagan P eye drops are applied as follows:
• To make a tiny pocket, pull down your lower eyelid and tilt your head back a little. With the tip down, hold the dropper above the eye. Squeeze out a drop while looking up and away from the dropper.
• Keep your head tipped down and close your eyes for one to two minutes without squinting or blinking. To prevent the fluid from leaking into your tear duct, gently press your finger to the inside corner of your eye for approximately one minute.
• Don't use more drops than your doctor has prescribed. Wait roughly five minutes between drops if you use more than one.
• Before applying any additional eye drops that your doctor has ordered, wait at least five minutes.
• Use the drops at least ten minutes before putting in your soft contact lenses if you wear them. Benzalkonium chloride, which is also found in the medication, is a preservative that may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may change the color of the contact lenses.
• Before using the eye drops, wash your hands.
• Avoid putting the eye dropper directly on your eye or touching its tip. Your eye could become infected by a contaminated dropper, which could cause major visual issues.
• Before applying any additional eye drops that your doctor has ordered, wait at least five minutes.
• If the liquid is hazy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use the Alphagan P eye drops. For new medication, give your doctor a call.

Some of the most common possible side effects of Alphagan P seen in clinical studies include:

• Drowsiness.
• Eye irritation.
• Eye pain.
• Dry mouth.
• Blurred vision.
• Sleepiness.
• Small white patches on the inside of your eyelid.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Visual disturbances.
• Burning sensation.
• Eye pruritus (itching).
• Allergic conjunctivitis.

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 help if any of the following apply:

• Allergic reactions to Alphagan P include burning, irritation, and stinging of the affected eye.
• Use of Alphagan P (brimonidine) can cause bacterial keratitis, a bacterial infection of the cornea (the protective covering on the front of the eye).
• Alphagan P can worsen blood flow problems such as vascular insufficiency.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions 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 Food and Drug Administration 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:

• Severe cardiovascular disease.
• Cerebral or coronary insufficiency (conditions that result in reduced blood supply to the brain or heart).
• Low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension.
• Depression.
• Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) or Raynaud's syndrome.
• A brimonidine allergy or hypersensitivity.

It is not safe for you to take Alphagan P (brimonidine) if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you. Please inform your healthcare practitioner of this.

• Children younger than two years of age.

After application, Alphagan P (brimonidine) usually reduces ocular pressure in two to three hours. Using this medication three times a day is the best way to regulate your eye pressure.

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 to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• CNS depressants.
• A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression.
• Blood pressure medications and cardiac glycosides.
• A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Sedatives.

The typical dose of the ophthalmic solution is one drop instilled in the affected eye or eyes three times a day, separated by roughly eight hours.

Use the medication as soon as you can after missing a dose, but if your next dose is close, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Keep out of the heat and moisture and store at room temperature. Avoid freezing. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly closed.

AbbVie, as well as Allergan, are the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Alphagan P.

There are several lower-cost generic name versions available.

Unless otherwise instructed to stop taking Alphagan P, do not stop as this could make the condition in your eyes worse.

Alphagan P should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk to your unborn baby. 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.

It is not known if Alphagan P is found in breast milk. 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.