Generic Alphagan

Chemical Name: BRIMONIDINE

Common uses

This medicine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat glaucoma and excessive pressure in the eye. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not use this medicine if you are also taking furazolidone or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. To use this medicine: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. If your medicine comes with a special cap (C-Cap), follow the directions provided in the patient information leaflet from the manufacturer on how to use this properly.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before inserting soft contact lenses.

For women: it is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth; headache; itching, burning, stinging, redness, or dryness of the eye; blurred vision; feeling of something in the eye; or drowsiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience dizziness, stomach discomfort, eyelid crusting, anxiety, palpitations, sensitivity to light, nasal dryness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.