Representative Names: Alphagan
Active Ingredients: Brimonidine Ophthalmic
Generic Available: Yes
Rx Status: Available by prescription only

What is/are Alphagan (Back to top)
BRIMONIDINE is used to to treat open-angle glaucoma and high pressure in the eye. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know 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

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface. Squeeze one drop into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Do not blink or rub your eyes. Apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye for a few minutes after placing the medicine to help it stay in your eye longer. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
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.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
  • medicines for high blood pressure or other heart problems
  • medicines that cause drowsiness or tiredness
  • tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine, and desipramine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • bleeding in your eye
  • inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • bitter taste in the mouth
  • blurred vision
  • burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution
  • dry mouth
  • dry or itchy eyes
  • headache
  • sensitivity of the eyes to light
  • tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. 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 wear contact lenses, take them out before using this medicine. Wait 15 minutes before putting them back into your eyes.

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.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

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

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:December 20, 2007

©2008 Express Scripts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
These materials are the property of Express Scripts, Inc. and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. Permission for use is granted only for personal, noncommercial purposes.

Back