Indications 

Alphagan Eye Drops is a prescription ophthalmic medication used to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. 

As an alpha-adrenergic agonist, Alphagan Eye Drops exhibits a dual mechanism of action by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before using Alphagan Eye Drops and with each prescription refill, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. For any questions or concerns, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

Typically, one drop of Alphagan Eye Drops is administered in the affected eye(s) thrice daily, with 8-hour intervals. 

Prior to applying the eye drops, wash your hands and check the dropper tip for any damage. Do not touch the dropper tip or allow it to touch your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. 

Soft contact lenses may absorb benzalkonium chloride-the preservative in Alphagan Eye Drops. Remove contact lenses before applying the eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting them, 

To properly instill Alphagan Eye Drops, follow these steps: 

1. Tilt your head back and pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to create a pocket. 
2. Hold the dropper (tip down) over your eye without touching it.  
3. Look up and gently squeeze the dropper to release one drop into the pocket, then remove your index finger. 
4. Close your eye for 2-3 minutes and tilt your head down without blinking or squeezing your eyelids. 
5. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure. 
6. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue. 
7. If using multiple drops in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes between each application. 
8. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle without wiping or rinsing the tip. 
9. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any medication. 

If using different eye medications (e.g., drops or ointments), allow at least 5 minutes between and apply eye drops before eye ointments to ensure proper absorption. 

Use Alphagan Eye Drops exactly as your doctor prescribes, at regular intervals each day, and avoid using more or less of it or more frequently. 

Do not discontinue using Alphagan Eye Drops without consulting your doctor, even if you feel fine. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Alphagan Eye Drops. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist. 

Common Side Effects 

• Eye discomfort, itching, or redness 
• Blurred vision 
• Dizziness 
• Dry mouth 
• Bad taste in the mouth 
• Drowsiness or tiredness 

Serious Side Effects 

• Headache that persists 
• Fast or pounding heartbeats 
• Eye pain, burning, or swelling 
• Extreme sensitivity to light 
• Vision changes 
• Fainting 
• Slow or irregular heartbeats 

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious symptoms listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Alphagan Eye Drops rarely cause severe allergic reactions. However, emergency medical help should be sought if you experience the following signs of an allergic reaction: 

• Rash 
• Itching or swelling, especially of the throat, tongue, and face 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Alphagan Eye Drops. Inform your doctor promptly if any unlisted effects occur. 

Cautions 

Before using Alphagan Eye Drops, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to brimonidine, any medications, or any ingredients present in Alphagan solution. 

To ensure Alphagan Eye Drops is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Dizziness when transitioning from lying to sitting or standing 
• Depression 
• Raynaud’s disease (a condition that affect your blood circulation 
• Thromboangiitis obliterans (a condition that causes attacks of low blood circulation to the fingers and toes) 
• Blood circulation disorders such as cerebral or coronary insufficiency 
• Heart, kidney, or liver disease. 

Many medicines can interact with Alphagan Eye Drops, including:  

• Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, timolol eye drops) 
• Digoxin 
• High blood pressure medications (e.g., clonidine, terazosin) 
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) 

To lessen the risk of drug interactions, disclose to your doctor and pharmacist all your current medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. 

Allergy and cough-and-cold products labels should be read carefully as they may contain ingredients that induce drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist to ensure the safe use of these products. 

Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness. Examples include: 

• Opioid pain or cough relievers (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone) 
• Alcohol 
• Marijuana (cannabis) 
• Drugs for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem) 
• Muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) 
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine) 

Do not use Alphagan Eye Drops concurrently with MAO inhibitors like marplan, nardil, eldepryl, or parnate. 

Alphagan Eye Drops can cause drowsiness and temporary blurred vision after application. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how this medication affects you. 

Alphagan Eye Drops should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. 

Consult your doctor before breastfeeding when using Alphagan Eye Drops, as it is unknown if brimonidine passes into breast milk.