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What is Alphagan
BrimonidineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBrimonidine 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 Pis the brand name
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 3 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)
Ocular Hypertension
Helps manage Ocular Hypertension
Effectiveness
How Alphagan Affects PatientsBrimonidine 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 bodyBrimonidine 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
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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
inadequately controlled intraocular pressure
, 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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)
, 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, Suspension / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution, Solution - Ophthalmic, Liquid, Liquid - Ophthalmic, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Cutaneous, Gel - Cutaneous, Suspension - Ophthalmic, Suspension
Warnings
Alphagan ContraindicationsCondition
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
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 RiskThe 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
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
84 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Rosacea
0 Actively Recruiting
Ocular Hypertension
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Open Angle Glaucoma
12 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
inadequately controlled intraocular pressure
0 Actively Recruiting
facial erythema
0 Actively Recruiting
Increased Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)
0 Actively Recruiting
Alphagan Reviews: What are patients saying about Alphagan?
5Patient Review
10/30/2011 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.
5Patient Review
8/22/2011 This medication has not helped me at all. If anything, it's made my blood pressure and eye pressure worse.
5Patient Review
8/22/2011 This medication unfortunately has not helped me at all. If anything, it's made my symptoms worse.
5Patient Review
10/30/2011 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.
4.7Patient Review
9/13/2016 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.
4.7Patient Review
9/13/2016 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.
4Patient Review
5/13/20114Patient Review
5/13/20113.7Patient Review
2/10/2012 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.
3.7Patient Review
7/31/2012 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!
3.7Patient Review
1/10/2016 After six months, I had to stop using this treatment because it changed my vision (blurry).
3.7Patient Review
7/31/2012 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.
3.7Patient Review
2/10/2012 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.
3.7Patient Review
1/10/2016 After six months, I had to stop using this due to changed vision (blurry).
3.3Patient Review
3/26/2014 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.
3.3Patient Review
3/26/2014 I experience shortness of breath and am always exhausted. This medication doesn't help as much as I'd hoped.
3Patient Review
5/25/2017 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.
3Patient Review
3/31/2014 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.
3Patient Review
7/16/2013 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.
3Patient Review
10/12/2017 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.
3Patient Review
3/31/2014 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.
3Patient Review
7/16/2013 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.
3Patient Review
5/25/2017 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.
3Patient Review
10/12/2017 The side effects of this treatment are really intense. I experienced immediate sleepiness, a rapid heart beat, and dry mouth.
2.3Patient Review
2/11/2012 I'm looking for something to help with the redness. Would appreciate any recommendations!
2.3Patient Review
4/10/2018 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.
2.3Patient Review
2/11/2012 Not effective in reducing redness.
2.3Patient Review
4/10/2018 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.
1Patient Review
3/5/2014 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.
1Patient Review
7/12/20111Patient Review
7/12/20111Patient Review
3/5/2014 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.
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