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May 24, 2012

Alphagan-P

Glaucoma »

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light-generated nerve impulses from the retina and transmits these to the brain, where we recognize those electrical signals as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma...

Read the Glaucoma article »

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Alphagan-P

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Alphagan-P Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Alphagan P

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

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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