Alphagan (Brimonidine Tartrate)

Brimonidine drops

What is this medicine?

BRIMONIDINE reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye. Brimonidine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye). Brimonidine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

You should not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you are allergic to it. To make sure brimonidine ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, history of stroke or blood clot;
• low blood pressure, circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome);
• depression;
• any allergies; or
• a history of glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eye.

Brimonidine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. FDA pregnancy category B. Brimonidine ophthalmic is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether brimonidine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take this medicine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.

What if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What may interact with this medicine?

Before taking benzonatate, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic Using brimonidine ophthalmic with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before using brimonidine ophthalmic with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with brimonidine ophthalmic, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;
• an antidepressant--amitriptyline, bupropion, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, duloxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine;
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine; or
• heart or blood pressure medicine--amlodipine, diltiazem, methyldopa, nifedipine, quinidine, verapamil, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with brimonidine ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Brimonidine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain or increased watering; or
• severe swelling, redness, burning, or discomfort in or around your eye.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tired feeling;
• dry mouth, blurred vision;
• mild itching, redness, or irritation of your eyes; or
• mild stinging or burning when using the eye drops.This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.