Alphagan
Alphagan eye drops help lower high pressure inside your eyes, which can be caused by conditions like glaucoma.
Form
silmätipat, liuos
Strength
0.2 % (2 mg/ml)
Active Ingredient
Brimonidine tartrate
Manufacturer
AbbVie Oy
How to Use
Dosage
Use one drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Method
Tilt your head back and look up. Pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Hold the bottle upside down and gently squeeze one drop into the eye. Close your eye and gently press the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for one minute.
Important
Do not take more than one drop twice a day. Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not change your dose without talking to them.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Eye irritation (redness, burning, stinging, feeling like something is in your eye, itching, blisters, or white spots on the surface of the eye)
- •Blurred vision
- •Allergic reactions in the eye
- •Headache
- •Dry mouth
- •Tiredness or drowsiness
RARE
- •Local irritation in the eye (swollen or inflamed eyelids, sticky eyes, pain, increased tears)
- •Sensitivity to light
- •Wearing away of the eye surface or discoloration
- •Dry eyes
- •White spots on the clear surface of the eye
- •Vision problems
- •Inflammation of the clear surface of the eye
- •Dizziness
- •Cold-like symptoms
- •Stomach or digestion problems
- •Changes in taste
- •Weakness
- •Depression
- •Fast or changed heartbeat
- •Dry nose
- •General allergic reactions (elsewhere in the body)
- •Shortness of breath
- •Eye inflammation
- •Smaller pupils
- •Trouble sleeping
- •Fainting
- •High blood pressure
- •Low blood pressure
- •Itchy eyelids
- •Skin reactions like redness, swelling of the face, itching, or rash
Important Warnings
- Do not use Alphagan if you are allergic to brimonidine tartrate or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use Alphagan if you are taking certain medicines for depression (called MAO inhibitors or other specific antidepressants).
- Do not use Alphagan if you are breastfeeding.
- Alphagan should not be used for babies or young children under 2 years old.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had depression, heart problems, problems with blood circulation, or blood pressure issues.
Show 5 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney or liver disease.
- Alphagan is not recommended for children aged 2-12 years. It is generally not used for teenagers aged 12-17 years.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor before using this medicine.
- This medicine can cause blurred vision, drowsiness, or tiredness. Do not drive or use machines until these effects have passed.
- Remove contact lenses before using Alphagan and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. The preservative in this medicine can stain soft contact lenses.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category A
Suitable for older adults. Start and continue therapy under supervision by an ophthalmologist. (updated 4.12.2023)