Brimonidine



AlphaganŽ P







Brimonidine

(bri MOE ni deen)

U.S. Brand Names
AlphaganŽ P
Canadian Brand Names
AlphaganŽ; PMS-Brimonidine Tartrate; ratio-Brimonidine
Mexican Brand Names
Agglad oftenoŽ; AlphaganŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Alpha; Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to brimonidine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to decrease high eye pressure.
How does it work?
  • Brimonidine lowers pressure in the eye.
How is it best taken?
  • For the eye only.
  • If using AlphaganŽ: Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Can leave contacts in if using AlphaganŽ P.
  • Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • For AlphaganŽ: You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • For AlphaganŽ: Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Eye irritation.
  • AlphaganŽ: Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Have eye pressure checked regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check blood pressure regularly if you have heart disease.
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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