Alphagan

Alphagan is a prescription medication used to reduce pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (higher than normal blood pressure inside the eye).

Alphagan belongs to a group of drugs called alpha adrenergic agonists. These work by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eyes, which reduces overall pressure within the eye. 

This medication comes in eyedrop form and is typically taken three times daily, with administrations approximately 8 hours apart.

Common side effects of Alphagan include irritation of the eye such as redness, burning, and stinging.

Alphagan can cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Alphagan affects you.

Alphagan is a prescription medication used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (higher than normal blood pressure inside the eye).

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your weight
• your height
• your age
• your gender

The recommended dose of Alphagan for the treatment of increased pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension is one drop into the affected eye(s) three times daily, with administrations approximately 8 hours apart.

Serious side effects have been reported with Alphagan including the following:

• Worsening of diseases that involve weak blood flow. Alphagan may worsen diseases associated with weak blood flow. Alphagan should be used with caution in patients with cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, or orthostatic hypotension.

• Worsening of heart disease. Although Alphagan had minimal effect on the blood pressure of most patients in clinical studies, caution should be exercised in treating patients with severe cardiovascular disease.

• Eye infections. There have been reports of bacterial eye infections associated with the use of eye drop products. Eye drops  can become contaminated if not used properly or are not stored in a clean area. Be sure to always avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.

Alphagan can cause blurred vision. This effect may seem worse at night or in reduced lighting. Alphagan may also cause drowsiness or tiredness in some patients. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Alphagan affects you.

A preservative in Alphagan may cause eye irritation and is also known to discolor soft contact lenses. Therefore, avoid contact with soft lenses. If you wear soft contact lenses take them out before using these eye drops and then wait 15 minutes after using Alphagan before inserting your lenses.

Do not use Alphagan:

• if you are allergic to Alphagan or any of its ingredients
• in children under the age of 2 years

Serious side effects have been reported with Alphagan. See the “Drug Precautions” section.

Common side effects of Alphagan include the following:

• itchy, irritated, red, stinging, or burning eyes
• dry eyes
• watery or runny eyes
• red or swollen eyelids
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision
• headache

This is not a complete list of Alphagan side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• blood pressure lowering medications
• cardiac glycosides such as digoxin
• central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anesthetics
• tricyclic antidepressants such as amytriptyline, nortriptyline, or imipramine
• monoamine oxidase Inhibitors such as phenelzine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine

This is not a complete list of Alphagan drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Alphagan falls into category B. There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Alphagan. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication. Alphagan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if Alphagan crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Alphagan.