Alphagan

Common use

Alphagan Eye Drop is used in treatment of Ocular hypertension (pressure in the eye) and glaucoma. It aids in the reduction of high ocular pressure and the risk of vision loss. This medicine can be taken alone or in conjunction with another eye drop that lowers eye pressure.

Dosage and direction

Alphagan Eye Drop should only be applied to the afflicted area. Use it according to the doctor's instructions for dosage and duration. Remove your contact lenses before taking the medicine if you wear them. Avoid touching the dropper's tip to any surface to avoid contaminating the eye drop. Use it every day in the evening or at night for optimal effects.

Precautions

Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.
If you are using another eye medicine, wait at least 10 minutes in between using each medicine.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Contraindications

Contact doctor if you have any of these conditions: Buerger's disease; closed-angle glaucoma; depression; eye infection or damage; heart disease; kidney disease; liver disease; Raynaud's phenomenon; wear contact lenses; an unusual or allergic reaction to brimonidine, benzalkonium chloride, Purite preservative, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): Change in taste; Change in vision; Dizziness; Dry eyes; Dry mouth; Eye irritation or itching; Headache; Increased tears after use.

Drug interaction

May interact with this medication: alcohol; certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat; medicines that cause drowsiness or tiredness; MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine, and desipramine.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.