Alphagan P (Brimonidine Tartrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Alphagan P Used For?
Alphagan P 1.5 is an eye drop medication that helps manage eye pressure and treat glaucoma, a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Primary Uses
Alphagan P 1.5 is used to lower raised pressure in the eye and treat glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye because it drains out more slowly than it enters, causing pressure to rise. This increased pressure can damage the back of the eye and lead to gradual vision loss. There are usually no symptoms of glaucoma, making regular eye exams important for detection.
How It Works
Alphagan P 1.5 lowers eye pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye and helping fluid flow out of the eye chamber more effectively. It can be used alone or with other eye medications to control glaucoma.
Good to know: While Alphagan P 1.5 helps control glaucoma, it does not cure the condition. The main difference between Alphagan P 1.5 and regular Alphagan is the preservative – Alphagan P 1.5 contains ‘Purite’ which may be gentler on the eyes.
How to Take Alphagan P
Proper application technique is important for getting the full benefit of your eye drops and preventing contamination.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) two times daily, approximately every 12 hours. Use at the same time each day for best results. To apply: wash hands, shake bottle gently, tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid to form a pouch, squeeze one drop into the pouch without touching the dropper to your eye, close eye for 2 minutes while pressing the inside corner against your nose, then replace cap. If using other eye drops, wait 5-10 minutes between different medications.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Otherwise, apply the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal routine.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, or any surface to prevent 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 of the eye or eyelids
- Allergic reactions including red and swollen eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eye discomfort or feeling of something in the eye
- Itchy or irritated eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Burning and stinging of the eyes
- Eye discharge or crusty eyelashes
- Eye pain and dryness
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Drowsiness
- Sore throat
- Changes in taste or smell
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Runny or blocked nose, sneezing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of eye infection (redness, discharge, pain)
- Severe allergic reactions
Important Warnings
Certain people should not use Alphagan P 1.5, and others need special monitoring while using this medication.
Who Should Not Take Alphagan P
Do not use if you are allergic to brimonidine tartrate or any ingredients, taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants, or if you are a child under 2 years old. Do not use if the seal is broken, packaging shows tampering, or the product has expired.
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 cold), or dizziness when standing up. Children 2 years and older, especially those weighing 20 kg or less, need close monitoring.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Alphagan P 1.5 during pregnancy or while nursing.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Alphagan P 1.5, potentially affecting how well it works or increasing side effects.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors like phenelzine and tranylcypromine
- Barbiturates used for epilepsy
- Strong pain medications (opiates)
- Sleep medications
- Anesthetics
- Blood pressure medications including beta blockers
- Sympathomimetics used for asthma, headaches, or cold symptoms
- Alcohol
- Other medicines broken down by the liver
Alcohol & Driving
Alphagan P 1.5 can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol.
Alcohol
Alphagan P 1.5 may cause drowsiness, and this effect can be worsened by drinking alcohol. Use caution when consuming alcoholic beverages.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Wait for your vision to clear after using Alphagan P 1.5 before driving or operating machinery. Do not drive or operate machines if you feel tired or drowsy while using this medication.
Storage
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and do not touch the dropper tip to any surface. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening – write the opening date on the bottle as a reminder. The preservative only prevents contamination for 4 weeks after opening.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally use too much Alphagan P 1.5 in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If the medication 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 obvious symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication begins working to lower eye pressure after application, but you should continue using it as prescribed even if you don’t feel any immediate effects. Glaucoma usually has no symptoms, so regular eye pressure checks by your doctor are important to monitor effectiveness.
The source material doesn’t specifically mention contact lenses. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist about contact lens use while using these eye drops.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an eye infection such as redness, discharge, or pain. Your doctor may tell you to use a new container due to possible contamination or may advise stopping treatment temporarily.
A slight burning sensation in the eye shortly after using the drops is normal. However, if this persists or is very uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
No, do not stop using Alphagan P without checking with your doctor first. Your eye pressure can rise again and may cause damage to your eye. Alphagan P helps control your condition but does not cure it, so continued use is typically necessary.
The main difference is the preservative used. Alphagan P 1.5 contains ‘Purite’ (hence the ‘P’), while regular Alphagan contains benzalkonium chloride. Your doctor may have prescribed Alphagan P as it may be gentler on your eyes.
Store below 25°C and keep the container tightly closed. Write the opening date on the bottle and discard it 4 weeks after first opening, even if there’s medication left. After 4 weeks, there’s a greater risk of contamination that could cause an eye infection.
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.