Alphagan

What is it?

An α-2-agonist containing 0.2% brimonidine tartrate in a solution for use as eye drops.

Medical Uses

High pressure within the eye and open angle glaucoma, either in addition to β-blockers or as sole therapy where the latter are ineffective or cannot be used.

Dosage

Adults; 1 drop into affected eye (or eyes), twice each day allowing 12 hour interval between treatments.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, depression, liver or kidney disease, severe heart and circulatory disease, circulatory deficiencies affecting coronary or cerebral arteries, Raynaud's disease, thromboangitis obliterans, orthostatic low blood pressure (i. e. occurring when person stands upright). People who use soft contact lenses should not insert them for at least 15 minutes following treatment.

Avoid Use

Children.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that depress the central nervous system, antidepressants that affect noradrenaline, sympathomimetic antagonists and agonists, drugs that reduce high blood pressure, cardiac glycosides.

Known Side Effects

Stinging and itching in eye(s), allergic reactions, fluid retention, conjunctival follicles, effects on blood supply to eye, headache, tiredness, drowsiness, dry mouth. Any adverse side effects must be reported to the CSM.

Manufacturer

Allergan.