ALPHAGAN (Brimonidine)

Alphagan (Brimonidine)

Alphagan (Brimonidine) is prescribed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or high fluid pressure in the eyes. It reduces the amount of fluid produced by eyes, thereby decreasing the pressure inside the eyes. This eye drops is an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist that can lower the risk of blindness, loss of vision, or nerve damage.

Recommended Dosage - Cheap Prescription Drug Alphagan

The dosage of Alphagan prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label. The following dosage information includes the common dose of Alphagan. If your dose is different, do not follow the dosage described below unless your physician has approved.

The recommended dose of Alphagan (Brimonidine) is one drop for three times a day in the affected eye; the duration between doses should be about 8 hours. This ophthalmic solution should not be used for longer period than that recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dose of Alphagan

If your physician has instructed or directed you to apply Alphagan medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.

Overdose of Alphagan

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Alphagan, seek medical attention immediately. However, overdose of this drug may not cause serious side effects.

Side Effects of Alphagan

Like other medicines, Alphagan can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Alphagan are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Alphagan cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Alphagan develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Alphagan can cause side effects such as puffy eyes, headache, blurred vision, nausea, insomnia, and burning, stinging, or itching of eyes. Some of the serious side effects of this drug are eye pain, eye discharge, irregular heart rate, dizziness, and severe swelling in or around your eyes. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Alphagan.

Drug Interaction - Cheap Prescription Drug Alphagan

Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Alphagan, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.

Alphagan can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, narcotic pain relievers, anti-anxiety medicines, anti-seizure medicines, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, high blood pressure drugs, beta blockers, muscle relaxants, and cold medications.

Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What drug(s) may interact with Alphagan?

• Amitriptyline
• Atenolol
• Carbamazepine
• Chlorpromazine
• Clonidine
• Codeine
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Diazepam
• Digoxin
• Diphenhydramine
• Furazolidone
• Isocarboxazid
• Metoprolol
• Moclobemide
• Phenelzine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenothiazines
• Procarbazine
• Selegiline
• Terazosin
• Timolol
• Tranylcypromine
• Zolpidem

It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Alphagan.

Before using Alphagan, ask the following questions to the doctor:

Is it possible for me to apply Alphagan with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I apply Alphagan?
What are the possible drug interactions of Alphagan?
How will Alphagan work in my body?
How should Alphagan be applied?
How to reduce the risk of Alphagan drug interactions and side effects?

Warnings and Precautions

The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. Before using Alphagan (Brimonidine), inform your doctor if you are suffering from high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, and heart disease so that dose adjustment may be made. Also, before using this drug, it is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing your baby. If you are wearing contact lenses, then it should be removed prior to the application of Brimonidine.

Care should be taken to avoid the contamination of dropper tip of this solution as it may lead to eye damage. If the ophthalmic solution changes color, then it should be discarded. Like any other drug, Brimonidine may cause tiredness or drowsiness in some individuals. Hence, caution should be exercised while using this drug if you engage in activities that require mental alertness.