Alphagan

Open-angle glaucoma, Rosacea, Glaucoma + 4 more

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Alphagan

What is Alphagan

Brimonidine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Brimonidine is a drug used to treat glaucoma, a condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. It is used to reduce the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid and increasing the natural drainage from the eye. Brimonidine is approved for long-term use and is considered safe because it does not cause cardiovascular side effects like some other glaucoma medications. It is also available in combination with other medications to treat rosacea, a skin condition causing redness on the face.

Alphagan P

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Alphagan Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Alphagan P

Brimonidine

2001

43

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Brimonidine, commonly known as Alphagan P, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) and Open Angle Glaucoma .

Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)

Helps manage Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)

Open Angle Glaucoma

Helps manage Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG)

Glaucoma

Helps manage Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)

Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG)

Helps manage Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG)

Ocular Hypertension

Helps manage Ocular Hypertension

Ocular Hypertension

Helps manage Ocular Hypertension

Effectiveness

How Alphagan Affects Patients

Brimonidine is a medication used to treat certain eye conditions. It works by targeting certain receptors in the body to reduce pressure and inflammation in the eyes. After taking brimonidine, the effects can be seen in two hours, with a 23% reduction in eye pressure. Studies have also shown that it may reduce facial redness in those with moderate to severe rosacea. When used systemically, brimonidine can cause a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate. There is also evidence that it may have neuroprotective effects on the eyes and optic nerves, but more research is needed to confirm

How Alphagan works in the body

Brimonidine is used to reduce the pressure in the eye, which can help prevent vision loss caused by glaucoma. It works by activating a receptor in the eye that reduces the amount of fluid being produced, and increases the fluid leaving the eye. When applied to the skin, brimonidine causes direct vasoconstriction of small arteries and veins, leading to reduced redness and inflammation. This makes it useful in treating rosacea, which is caused by abnormal dilation of facial blood vessels.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed measure of Alphagan is contingent upon the determined condition, such as Open Angle Glaucoma, facial erythema and Ocular Hypertension. The magnitude of dosage shifts, in line with the technique of application featured in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Ocular Hypertension

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

Glaucoma

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

Open Angle Glaucoma

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

Open-angle glaucoma

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

Rosacea

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

Glaucoma

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

facial erythema

, 1.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg, 0.2 %, 0.15 %, 0.33 %, 0.003 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg, 0.25 mg/mL, 0.0025 mg/mg, 0.025 %

, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Suspension / drops, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Gel - Topical, Topical, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension, Suspension - Ophthalmic

Warnings

Alphagan Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Brimonidine may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Alphagan.

Common Alphagan Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Oliceridine

Major

The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Brimonidine is combined with Oliceridine.

Acebutolol

Minor

Brimonidine may increase the antihypertensive activities of Acebutolol.

Aliskiren

Minor

Brimonidine may increase the antihypertensive activities of Aliskiren.

Alprenolol

Minor

Brimonidine may increase the antihypertensive activities of Alprenolol.

Ambrisentan

Minor

Brimonidine may increase the antihypertensive activities of Ambrisentan.

Alphagan Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of brimonidine in mice is 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg in rats. Symptoms of an overdose in adults may include low blood pressure, weakness, vomiting, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythms, constricted pupils, difficulty breathing, low body temperature, and seizures. Treatment for an overdose includes providing supportive care and symptomatic therapy. Cases of brimonidine overdose have been reported in infants and children. In pregnant animals, brimonidine was not found to cause birth defects. Studies also did not show any mutagenic or clastogenic potential of the drug. Brimonidine should not be

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Alphagan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Alphagan?

114 active trials are assessing the use of Alphagan in managing Open Angle Glaucoma, inadequately controlled intraocular pressure, and other Open Angle Glaucoma conditions.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Open-angle glaucoma

46 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 1

Glaucoma

0 Actively Recruiting

facial erythema

0 Actively Recruiting

Rosacea

0 Actively Recruiting

Glaucoma

0 Actively Recruiting

Ocular Hypertension

11 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Open Angle Glaucoma

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4

Alphagan Reviews: What are patients saying about Alphagan?

5

Patient Review

10/30/2011

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I used this for about 18 months, during which time I got six eye infections. I was diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis in 2011 and found out that Alphagan is extremely toxic; apparently, 30% of patients have this side effect.

5

Patient Review

8/22/2011

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

This medication has not helped me at all. If anything, it's made my blood pressure and eye pressure worse.

5

Patient Review

8/22/2011

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

This medication unfortunately has not helped me at all. If anything, it's made my symptoms worse.

5

Patient Review

10/30/2011

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I used this treatment for about eighteen months, during which time I had six eye infections. I was diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis in 2011 due to the use of Alphagan. Unfortunately, this medication is quite toxic; 30% of people who take it experience side effects like mine.

4.7

Patient Review

9/13/2016

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

The only complaint I have is that it's a bit pricey. Other than that, it seems to work well. It was prescribed to me to help with the itchiness caused by my other medication (Prednisone drops) which I needed after my corneal transplant.

4.7

Patient Review

9/13/2016

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

The only downside to this medication is the cost. It seems to be working well for me, as it was prescribed to help with the itching side effect of my Prednisone drops (I needed these after a corneal transplant). Although itching is usually a sign of healing, rubbing my eyes while sleeping has caused some painful problems. So it's either use this medication or go blind.

4

Patient Review

5/13/2011

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

4

Patient Review

5/13/2011

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

3.7

Patient Review

2/10/2012

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I've experienced some issues like dry mouth, but also noticed that my legs have been swelling. I'm not sure if the two are related, but it's something to consider.

3.7

Patient Review

7/31/2012

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

I've only been using this prescription for a few days, but I may have to switch to laser treatment if this doesn't work. Has anyone out there tried laser therapy? Let me know in the comments!

3.7

Patient Review

1/10/2016

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

After six months, I had to stop using this treatment because it changed my vision (blurry).

3.7

Patient Review

7/31/2012

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

I've only been using this prescription for a few days, but I may have to consider laser treatment if it doesn't work. If anyone has had success with lasers, please let me know.

3.7

Patient Review

2/10/2012

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I have experienced some adverse effects like dry mouth, but also some positive ones like reduced swelling in my legs. I'm not sure if this is intended or not.

3.7

Patient Review

1/10/2016

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

After six months, I had to stop using this due to changed vision (blurry).

3.3

Patient Review

3/26/2014

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I'm not the biggest fan of this treatment. It's helped with my breathing, but I'm constantly exhausted and even short walks are difficult.

3.3

Patient Review

3/26/2014

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I experience shortness of breath and am always exhausted. This medication doesn't help as much as I'd hoped.

3

Patient Review

5/25/2017

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I find this medication really makes me drowsy to the point where I can't function well. Additionally, it's caused me to gain 20 pounds and become more sedentary overall; both of which have negatively impacted my quality of life.

3

Patient Review

3/31/2014

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

After using Alphagan for a few months, I developed itchy eyes. Watery and uncomfortable, no matter what drops I used. My optometrist gave me Zaditen, which didn't help, then Thera tears with similar results. Finally saw an eye specialist who diagnosed me with an allergy to the medication.

3

Patient Review

7/16/2013

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

My doctor just started me on this lower pressure medication, in addition to the Cosopt and Zioptan that I was already taking. So far it seems to be helping quite a bit; my pressure has lowered from 11 to 7-9.

3

Patient Review

10/12/2017

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

The side effects of this medication are intense. I would recommend it only if you're struggling with a severe condition and have tried other options first.

3

Patient Review

3/31/2014

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

I was really pleased with Alphagan at first, but after a couple of months of use my eyes started getting very itchy, watery, and uncomfortable. I tried Zaditen from the chemist, but it didn't help. Then I went to the optometrist who gave me Thera tears, but still no relief. Finally I saw an eye specialist who told me that I was allergic to Alphagan. I was upset because it had been lowering my pressure and was easy to use. Now I'm back to trying other drops as I am allergic to quite a few things.

3

Patient Review

7/16/2013

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

My doctor just started me on this drop to lower my pressure from 11 to a target of 7-9. I'm already on Cosopt & Zioptan (new), which is excellent, as it contains no preservatives that irritate my eye.

3

Patient Review

5/25/2017

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I find this medication really makes me too tired to function properly. I've also gained twenty pounds since starting it because it's made me so sedentary. As a result, my quality of life has gone down significantly.

3

Patient Review

10/12/2017

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

The side effects of this treatment are really intense. I experienced immediate sleepiness, a rapid heart beat, and dry mouth.

2.3

Patient Review

2/11/2012

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

I'm looking for something to help with the redness. Would appreciate any recommendations!

2.3

Patient Review

4/10/2018

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

Since using Alphagan, I have constantly felt tired and sleepy. This has resulted in a decrease of my quality of life as I now feel the urge to sleep most of the time. In addition, I have also experienced other side effects such as a bad taste in mouth upon waking up, dry mouth, and an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Overall, I plan on asking my doctor if there are any alternative treatments that I could use instead.

2.3

Patient Review

2/11/2012

Alphagan for Increased Pressure in the Eye

Not effective in reducing redness.

2.3

Patient Review

4/10/2018

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

I have been using Latanoprost and Alphagan P for my glaucoma, however I have not been pleased with the results. I feel very tired and sleepy after using it, to the point where it impacts my quality of life. Additionally, I experience a bad taste in my mouth upon waking up, as well as dry mouth sometimes. My cholesterol has also increased since taking this medication.

1

Patient Review

3/5/2014

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

I stopped using this medication because it caused my blood pressure to skyrocket. I would go off of it for a few days and my BP would come back down, so I know it was the drops that were causing the problem.

1

Patient Review

7/12/2011

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

1

Patient Review

7/12/2011

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

1

Patient Review

3/5/2014

Alphagan for Wide-Angle Glaucoma

I stopped using this medication because it caused my blood pressure to skyrocket. I noticed that when I took a break from the drops, my BP would return to normal. It's clear that this treatment is not for me.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about alphagan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Are alphagan and brimonidine the same thing?

"Brimonidine is available in two forms: Alphagan P and Qoliana. Alphagan P is available in three strengths: 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%. Qoliana is available in one strength: prescription-only."

Answered by AI

Is alphagan good for glaucoma?

"Alphagan is a drug used to treat open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It works by reducing the production of aqueous humor and increasing uveoscleral outflow."

Answered by AI

What is the generic drug for Alphagan?

"Falcon Pharmaceuticals, an affiliate of Alcon Inc., has recieved U.S. regulatory approval to market brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2%. This generic drug is therapeutically equivalent to Alphagan (brimonidine tartrate, Allergan), according to an Alcon press release."

Answered by AI

What is alphagan used for?

"This medication is used to treat open-angle glaucoma, which is when there is high fluid pressure in the eye. Lowering the fluid pressure can reduce the risk of vision loss, nerve damage, or blindness."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Alphagan

Image of University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science in Waterloo, Canada.

Brain Stimulation for Vision Impairment

18+
All Sexes
Waterloo, Canada

This pilot clinical trial evaluates whether non-invasive brain stimulation improves the orientation and mobility (O\&M) skills of individuals with constricted visual fields in both eyes. The study is composed of three visits. The first visit is meant to confirm eligibility by performing a few clinical tests. Eligible participants will then complete two additional visits, one in which they receive active stimulation, and one in which they receive placebo (sham) stimulation. Stimulation will be administered in a randomized, double-blind order. To evaluate improvement, various measures of O\&M performance will be assessed on a standardized obstacle course featuring static natural and artificial obstacles at defined intervals after the intervention. We hypothesize that the application of brain stimulation to region of the brain responsible for visual processing will improve the orientation and mobility skills of individuals with binocular constricted visual fields immediately following stimulation, and the results will inform the design of a future, larger-scale study.

Waitlist Available
New This Month

University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science

Benjamin Thompson, PhD

Image of Byers Eye Institute in Palo Alto, United States.

LLM-Based Education for Glaucoma

18+
All Sexes
Palo Alto, CA

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a large language model (LLM)-based audiovisual educational tool improves the test time and reliability of standard automated perimetry (SAP) using the SITA Standard 24-2 protocol in English-speaking glaucoma patients. Glaucoma is a disease that can lead to blindness if not properly monitored and treated. One of the most important tests for glaucoma is the visual field (VF) test, which checks how well a person can see in different directions. However, this test is difficult for many patients to perform correctly, especially if they don't fully understand how it works. Unreliable test results can lead to repeated visits, wasted time, and incorrect treatment decisions. This study is testing whether a computer-based educational tool, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), can help patients better understand the VF test before taking it. The study team want to see if this helps make the test results more reliable. The goal is to improve the quality of care while reducing the burden on patients and clinic staff. The LLMs will be used as an educational tool only, not for the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Byers Eye Institute

Robert T Chang, MD

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Alphagan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Canada.

Graft Selection for Glaucoma Surgery

18 - 110
All Sexes
Edmonton, Canada

Glaucoma refers to a group of progressive optic neuropathies that lead to permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. In 2020, it was estimated to affect 76 million individuals worldwide, with projections indicating this number will rise to 111.8 million by 2040. In Canada, glaucoma affects an estimated 2.7-7.5% of individuals over the age of 50, contributing substantially to the national disease burden. This condition is linked to damage of the optic nerve due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP; raised eye pressure), which results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Therefore, most of the treatments are guided towards reducing the IOP either via using laser, medications or surgery. Glaucoma surgery is typically reserved for cases where IOP remains uncontrolled while on maximum tolerated medical therapy and/or where glaucoma progression warrants surgery. The goal of many glaucoma surgeries is to divert aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space, therefore reducing intraocular pressure. The device used for this purpose are the PRESERFLO™ MicroShunt (Glaukos Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA, USA) (the documents will interchangeably use terms "stent" and "shunt" to refer to these devices in the text below). The device is implanted using the ab externo approach to channel fluid from the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival/subtenon space. To reduce postoperative fibrosis and inhibit fibroblast activity that could obstruct flow and lead to device failure, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or mitomycin C (MMC) are administered. Additionally, a double-layered closure of conjunctiva and Tenon's is performed to minimize Tenon's migration and blockage of tenon the stents. Despite these measures, stent encapsulation and failure are still too common requiring revisions and bleb needling in 2-20% of cases within the first 12 months of follow-up. This project will involve a series of studies evaluating graft selection in PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation, focusing on donor sclera, cornea, and pericardium as patch graft materials. First, the investigators will conduct a prospective, randomized study comparing clinical outcomes between these graft types. Outcomes of interest will include surgical success rates, post-operative hypotony, tube erosion, conjunctival complications, infection, and overall device longevity. Donor sclera has long been used as a patch graft in glaucoma drainage device surgery and is associated with low erosion rates and reliable long-term results. Corneal tissue is increasingly used due to its transparency and availability through eye banks, with demonstrated safety in ocular surface reconstruction and tube coverage. Pericardium is another durable, biocompatible option, historically applied in both cardiovascular and ocular surgery, and has shown effectiveness as a patch graft in glaucoma drainage implants. This comparison will extend to both primary implantation and revision surgeries, recognizing the high clinical relevance of graft performance in complex cases. Building on these results, the investigators will then perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of graft strategies, incorporating surgical time, post-operative management, complication rates, and need for re-operation. An economic model will be developed to evaluate costs and resource utilization associated with each material, providing valuable data for policy and surgical decision-making. Finally, the investigators will conduct a patient-reported outcome (PRO) study to assess patient comfort and satisfaction with different grafts. Surveys will evaluate domains such as foreign body sensation, cosmesis, and overall satisfaction at key time points (immediate post-operative period, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months). These results will highlight the patient perspective, an often underrepresented but critical factor in surgical innovation. Together, these studies will comprehensively assess graft selection from surgical, economic, and patient-centered perspectives, informing evidence-based practice in glaucoma care.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

The Royal Alexandra Hospital

Have you considered Alphagan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Alphagan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Alphagan clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Alphagan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials