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Brand Names: Alphagan P

Generic Name: brimonidine ophthalmic (Pronunciation: bri MO ni deen)

• What is brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• What are the possible side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• What is the most important information I should know about brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• How should I use brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Alphagan P)?
• What happens if I overdose (Alphagan P)?
• What should I avoid while using brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• What other drugs will affect brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?

Brimonidine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Brimonidine ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).

Brimonidine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alphagan P

What are the possible side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?

Stop using brimonidine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or uneven heart rate;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
• severe swelling, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;
• eye pain or increased watering; or
• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet.

Less serious side effects may include:

• burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• blurred vision;
• redness of the eye or eyelid;
• mildly swollen or puffy eyes;
• sensitivity to light;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• headache, dizziness;
• muscle pain;
• tired feeling;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dry nose or mouth; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P)?

Do not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

Before using brimonidine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, circulation problems such as Raynaud's or Buerger's disease, or a history of fainting or low blood pressure.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using brimonidine before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

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