Alphagan (Brimonidine Tartrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Alphagan Used For?
Alphagan eye drops contain brimonidine tartrate and are specifically designed to treat eye conditions related to increased pressure.
Primary Uses
Alphagan is used to lower raised pressure in the eye(s) and to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where fluid pressure in the eye may be high, though some people with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to serious problems, including total blindness.
How It Works
Alphagan eye drops work by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye and helping fluid flow out of the eye chamber more effectively. This dual action helps lower the pressure inside your eye. The medication belongs to a family of medicines called alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Good to know: Although Alphagan helps control your glaucoma, it does not cure it. The medication can be used alone or together with other eye drops to manage your condition.
How to Take Alphagan
Proper application technique is important for Alphagan eye drops to work effectively and safely.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) two times a day, approximately every 12 hours. Use the drops at about the same time each day for best results. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes after using Alphagan before applying other medications. Remove soft contact lenses before application and wait 15 minutes before replacing them.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to use Alphagan and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. It’s important to use Alphagan at the same time each day.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Never touch the dropper tip against your eye, eyelid, or any surface to avoid contamination.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Redness and swelling of the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas
- Watering of the eyes
- Feeling of something in the eye(s)
- Itching
- Conjunctivitis with discharge and crusty eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye irritation
- Burning and stinging of the eyes
- Excessive sensitivity to bright light
- Eye ache or pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Nasal dryness
- Dry mouth
- Abnormal taste
- Cold-like symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of eye infection (redness, discharge, pain)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Symptoms involving the stomach and digestion
- Depression
- Feeling weak
Important Warnings
Before using Alphagan, it’s essential to understand who should not use this medication and what conditions require special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Alphagan
Do not use Alphagan if you are allergic to brimonidine tartrate or any ingredients in the formulation, if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants, or if you are a child younger than 2 years of age. Do not use if the seal around the cap is broken or if the product shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, severe uncontrolled heart disease, poor blood flow to the heart or brain, depression, Raynaud’s syndrome (numbness and color changes in fingers when exposed to cold), or experience dizziness when standing up from sitting or lying positions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Alphagan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Children: Children 2 years of age and above, especially those weighing 20 kg or less, should be treated with caution and closely monitored during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Alphagan, either affecting how it works or being affected by Alphagan.
Important: Alphagan may increase the effects of certain medications including pain relievers, sleep aids, and blood pressure medications. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine
- Barbiturates traditionally used to treat epilepsy
- Medicines used to relieve strong pain (opiates)
- Medicines used to calm or help you sleep
- Anesthetics
- Medicines used to treat high blood pressure, including beta blockers
- Sympathomimetics used to treat asthma, severe headaches, or coughs and colds
- Alcohol
- Other medicines broken down by the liver
Alcohol & Driving
Alphagan can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, so special precautions are needed.
Alcohol
Alphagan eye drops may cause drowsiness, and this effect can be made worse by drinking alcohol. Use caution when consuming alcohol while using this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Wait for your vision to clear after using Alphagan eye drops before you drive or use machines. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel tired or drowsy while using Alphagan.
Storage
Store Alphagan below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed to avoid contamination and do not touch the dropper tip to any surface. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening it – write the opening date on the bottle as a reminder.
Overdose Information
If you use too much Alphagan, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If Alphagan is accidentally swallowed, contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alphagan begins working to lower eye pressure shortly after application. However, you should continue using it as prescribed by your doctor to maintain consistent pressure control, as it helps control but does not cure glaucoma.
No, do not use Alphagan drops while wearing soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before applying the drops and wait 15 minutes before replacing them, as the preservative may be deposited in soft contact lenses.
If you forget to use Alphagan and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, use the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Alphagan may cause drowsiness, and this effect can be made worse by drinking alcohol. Use caution when consuming alcohol while using this medication.
Store below 25°C away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening it. Write the opening date on the bottle to help you remember.
If you develop an eye infection, receive an eye injury, or have eye surgery, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may tell you to use a new container of Alphagan or may advise you to stop treatment due to possible contamination.
Do not stop using Alphagan without checking with your doctor. Your eye pressure can rise again and may cause damage to your eye if you stop the medication abruptly.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.