Alphagan: Advanced Ocular Hypotensive Therapy for Glaucoma Management
| Product dosage: 5ml | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| 2 | $27.95 | $55.90 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 6 | $25.51 | $167.70 $153.08 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 8 | $24.62 | $223.60 $196.94 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 9 | $24.46 | $251.55 $220.16 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 10 | $24.25
Best per bottle | $279.50 $242.52 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Alphagan (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) is a topically administered 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 cornerstone of glaucoma management, this prescription medication works by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow, providing dual-mechanism pressure control. Its well-established efficacy profile and favorable safety characteristics make it a first-line therapeutic option for ophthalmologists worldwide. Clinical evidence demonstrates consistent IOP reduction throughout waking hours, helping to preserve visual field and prevent optic nerve damage in chronic glaucoma patients.
Features
- Contains brimonidine tartrate 0.1% or 0.15% as active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Available as sterile ophthalmic solution in 5mL, 10mL, and 15mL dropper bottles
- Formulated with benzalkonium chloride 0.005% as preservative
- pH-balanced solution (approximately 6.8) for optimal ocular comfort
- Multiple concentration options for tailored therapeutic approaches
- Compatible with most other topical ophthalmic medications
Benefits
- Provides significant intraocular pressure reduction up to 20-27% from baseline
- Offers consistent 24-hour IOP control with twice-daily dosing
- Demonstrates neuroprotective properties potentially beneficial for optic nerve preservation
- Maintains efficacy when used as monotherapy or in combination with other glaucoma medications
- Features relatively minimal systemic absorption compared to older glaucoma therapies
- Shows excellent tolerability profile with reduced incidence of cardiopulmonary effects
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 or as an adjunctive treatment when monotherapy provides insufficient pressure control. The medication is suitable for long-term use and may be particularly beneficial for patients who cannot tolerate beta-blockers due to respiratory or cardiovascular contraindications. Ophthalmologists often initiate Alphagan therapy in patients requiring moderate IOP reduction with minimal systemic side effects.
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. To administer, tilt the head backward, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch, and instill one drop into the conjunctival sac. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination. If using more than one ophthalmic medication, wait at least 5 minutes between applications. Contact lenses should be removed before instillation and may be reinserted 15 minutes post-application.
Precautions
Patients should be advised that Alphagan may cause drowsiness or fatigue and should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Ocular effects including blurred vision, burning, stinging, or conjunctival hyperemia may occur temporarily after instillation. The preservative benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may cause eye irritation. Patients should monitor for signs of ocular allergy including increased redness, itching, or swelling and report these symptoms to their ophthalmologist. Use in pediatric patients requires special consideration due to increased risk of somnolence and respiratory depression.
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 receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor therapy. The medication is contraindicated in infants and children under 2 years of age due to reports of severe somnolence and respiratory depression. Caution is advised in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, or thromboangiitis obliterans.
Possible side effects
Common ocular adverse reactions (occurring in 5-30% of patients) include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, eye pruritus, burning sensation, visual disturbance, and foreign body sensation. Less frequent side effects may include blepharitis, ocular dryness, eyelid edema, and corneal erosion. Systemic side effects may include oral dryness, headache, fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness. Approximately 10-15% of patients develop ocular allergy-like reactions with prolonged use, typically manifesting after 3-9 months of therapy.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anxiolytics) may potentiate sedation effects. Tricyclic antidepressants may decrease Alphagan’s hypotensive effect. Caution is advised when using with antihypertensive medications or cardiac glycosides due to potential additive effects. Beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or prostaglandin analogs may have additive IOP-lowering effects when used concomitantly. MAO inhibitors are absolutely contraindicated due to risk of hypertensive crisis.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, patients should instill the drop as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Consistent adherence to the prescribed dosing regimen is crucial for maintaining optimal intraocular pressure control.
Overdose
Ocular overdose may result in increased systemic absorption leading to hypotension, bradycardia, hypothermia, respiratory depression, and profound sedation. In case of accidental ingestion, symptomatic and supportive care should be instituted. Cardiovascular parameters should be monitored closely. Topical ocular overdose should be managed by flushing the eye(s) with warm tap water for 15 minutes. Medical attention should be sought immediately for any suspected overdose situation.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and excessive heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Discard any unused solution 28 days after opening the bottle. Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze the medication.
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. Patients should consult their ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The complete prescribing information should be reviewed before initiating therapy.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Alphagan provides effective intraocular pressure reduction with a favorable side effect profile. In randomized controlled trials, 70-80% of patients achieved target IOP reduction with twice-daily dosing. Long-term studies show maintained efficacy over 12 months of continuous therapy. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate high tolerability, though some patients discontinue due to ocular allergy development. Ophthalmologists consistently rate Alphagan as a valuable option in the glaucoma treatment arsenal, particularly for patients requiring additive therapy or those with contraindications to beta-blockers.