Alphagan: Advanced IOP Control for Glaucoma Management
Alphagan
| Product dosage: 5ml | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per bottle | Price | Buy |
| 2 | $32.50 | $65.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $32.33 | $97.50 $97.00 (1%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 4 | $31.25 | $130.00 $125.00 (4%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 5 | $30.20 | $162.50 $151.00 (7%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 6 | $29.67 | $195.00 $178.00 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 7 | $29.14 | $227.50 $204.00 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 8 | $28.62 | $260.00 $229.00 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 9 | $28.44 | $292.50 $256.00 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 10 | $28.20
Best per bottle | $325.00 $282.00 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Alphagan (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) is a topical alpha-2 adrenergic agonist specifically formulated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. As a well-established therapeutic agent in ophthalmology, it offers a targeted mechanism of action that effectively lowers eye pressure while demonstrating a favorable safety profile. This prescription medication works by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow, providing dual-action pressure control that helps preserve visual field integrity. Clinical evidence supports its use as both monotherapy and in combination with other ocular hypotensive agents, making it a versatile option in comprehensive glaucoma management strategies.
Features
- Contains brimonidine tartrate 0.1%, 0.15%, or 0.2% as active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Preservative-free formulations available for patients with benzalkonium chloride sensitivity
- pH-balanced solution optimized for ocular comfort and corneal health
- Sterile, isotonic ophthalmic solution with demonstrated stability
- Multiple concentration options allowing for personalized treatment titration
- Compatible with most soft contact lenses (after appropriate waiting period)
Benefits
- Effectively reduces intraocular pressure by 20-27% from baseline measurements
- Provides 12-hour duration of action with twice-daily dosing convenience
- Demonstrates neuroprotective properties that may help preserve retinal ganglion cells
- Offers favorable ocular hemodynamic effects without compromising blood flow to optic nerve
- Minimal impact on cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters compared to systemic medications
- Reduces risk of glaucomatous progression and visual field loss over time
Common use
Alphagan is primarily indicated for the chronic management of elevated intraocular pressure in patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is frequently prescribed as first-line therapy for patients requiring moderate IOP reduction or for those who cannot tolerate beta-blockers due to contraindications such as asthma or cardiovascular conditions. The medication is also commonly used as adjunctive therapy when monotherapy provides insufficient pressure control, particularly in combination with prostaglandin analogs or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Ophthalmologists may select Alphagan for patients who require additional IOP lowering beyond what single agents can achieve or for those demonstrating progression despite initial treatment.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart. Patients should wash hands thoroughly before administration and avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination. To administer properly, tilt the head backward, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pouch, instill one drop into the conjunctival sac, and close eyes gently for 1-2 minutes while applying gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct to minimize systemic absorption. If using other topical ophthalmic medications, allow at least 5 minutes between applications. The solution should be shaken well before use if specified in particular formulations.
Precautions
Patients should be advised that Alphagan may cause drowsiness, fatigue, or dizziness and should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they understand how the medication affects them. Ocular hyperemia, allergic reactions, and follicular conjunctivitis may occur with prolonged use. Contact lens wearers should insert lenses at least 15 minutes after instillation or consider using preservative-free formulations. Regular monitoring of IOP, visual fields, and optic nerve head morphology is essential during treatment. Pediatric patients may experience more pronounced systemic effects including profound hypotension, bradycardia, hypothermia, and apnea requiring careful supervision.
Contraindications
Alphagan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to brimonidine tartrate or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in patients taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors due to potential interactions. The medication is contraindicated in infants and children under 2 years of age due to increased risk of severe central nervous system depression. Patients with severe cardiovascular disease, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, or thromboangiitis obliterans should generally avoid this medication unless carefully supervised by a physician.
Possible side effects
Common ocular adverse reactions include allergic conjunctivitis (approximately 15% of patients), conjunctival hyperemia (10-30%), burning or stinging upon instillation (5-15%), blurred vision (5-10%), foreign body sensation (5-10%), and conjunctival folliculosis (5-15%). Systemic side effects may include oral dryness (10-20%), fatigue and drowsiness (5-15%), headache (5-10%), and dizziness (5-10%). Less frequently reported effects include ocular pruritus, blepharitis, corneal staining, photophobia, eyelid erythema, and conjunctival edema. Serious but rare adverse events include syncope, hypotension, bradycardia, and apnea.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with central nervous system depressants including alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anxiolytics may potentiate sedation and fatigue. Tricyclic antidepressants may reduce the hypotensive effect of Alphagan. Caution is advised when using with antihypertensive medications or cardiac glycosides due to potential additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate. The ocular hypotensive effect may be additive when used with other IOP-lowering medications. Patients taking medications that affect monoamine neurotransmission should be closely monitored for potential interactions.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Consistent adherence to the prescribed dosing regimen is important for maintaining stable intraocular pressure control. If multiple doses are frequently missed, patients should consult their ophthalmologist regarding strategies to improve compliance.
Overdose
Ocular overdose may result in increased local adverse effects including conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid edema, and ocular irritation. Systemic overdose symptoms may include hypotension, bradycardia, hypothermia, apnea, sedation, lethargy, and coma. In case of accidental ingestion, gastric lavage and supportive measures should be instituted. Activated charcoal may be administered if ingestion occurred within previous 1-2 hours. Cardiovascular monitoring and supportive care including intravenous fluids and vasopressors may be necessary for significant systemic absorption. There is no specific antidote for brimonidine overdose.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and excessive heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Discard any unused solution 28 days after opening the bottle to prevent contamination and maintain sterility. Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not transfer the solution to any other container.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Alphagan is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary based on patient-specific factors including disease severity, concomitant medications, and overall health status. Patients should consult their ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and monitoring. Never discontinue or modify treatment without medical supervision.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Alphagan effectively reduces intraocular pressure by mean 6-8 mmHg with twice-daily dosing. In comparative trials, 70-80% of patients achieved target IOP reduction with good tolerability. Long-term studies show persistent efficacy over 12 months of treatment with maintenance of visual field parameters. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate acceptable comfort upon instillation, though allergic reactions may develop in approximately 15% of users after prolonged treatment. The medication receives positive professional evaluation for its neuroprotective potential and favorable safety profile compared to systemic alternatives.