Alphagan eye drops (Brimonidine eye drops)
What is alphagan eye drops used for ?
Alphagan eye drops is used to treat high blood pressure, stabilize irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), prevent angina (heart pain) and improve survival chances post heart attack. Alphagan eye drops are also used to treat glaucoma, a condition wherein there is an increased pressure in the eye and this may lead to blindness. It is also used to treat headaches due to migraine. Brimonidine eye drops are used for the treatment of open angle Glaucoma or ocular hypertension (increased pressure inside the eye).
How it works?
Alphagan eye drops belongs to a beta-blockers class of medication. It relaxes the blood vessels and reduced the blood pressure. It makes heart relax and pump blood at a slower rate for heart attack patients. In eye, it decreases fluid production and thus decreases pressure. Brimonidine eye drops belongs to the group of medicines called sympathomimetics. It reduces the amount of fluid in the eye and thus reduces the eye pressure.
Common side effects
- Decrease in blood pressure, Dry eyes or discharge from eyes, Feelings of depression, Sensitivity to light, Blurring of vision, Impotence, Worsening of heart failure, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Irritation and pain in the eye, Heart blocks, Skin rash, Vomiting, Common: for tablet-weakness, Low blood pressure, Abnormal tingling, Breathlessness such as in asthma, Constipation, Numbness or pain over any area of the skin, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Abnormal sensation in eye or crusting in eyelids, Cramp like pain on walking, Swollen hands or feet.
- For eye drops-blurred vision, Inflammation in the eye, Sleeping difficulties or cough., Headache, Decrease in ability to urinate.for eye drops-erosion of the cornea, Itchiness, Change in taste. uncommon: for tablet- slow heartbeat
Expert advice
- It should not be taken by patients who are allergic to Alphagan eye drop or other beta-blockers or any of the other ingredients of the tablet.
- Do not start or continue Brimonidine eye drops, if you are taking any other medication for high blood pressure or heart condition or other beta blockers.
- Avoid taking Alphagan eye drop, if you have asthma or other respiratory disease that causes breathing problems (eg. chronic bronchitis, emphysema, etc.).
- Do not start or continue Brimonidine eye drops, if your have diabetes, thyroid disorder, liver or kidney dysfunction or ulcers, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal glands that leads to persistent or episodic high blood pressure).
- Avoid taking Alphagan eye drop, if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Do not drive or operate machines, as Brimonidine eye drops may cause dizziness or tiredness
FAQs
Q: Is Alphagan a beta blocker/selective beta blocker/generic/antibiotic?
A: Alphagan eye drop is a beta blocker. It is not a selective beta blocker/generic/antibiotic.
Q: Is Alphagan preservative free?
A: The Alphagan eye dros is preservative free
Q: Is Alphagan the same as timoptic or cosopt?
A: Timoptic and copsopt are brand names of the eye drops containing timolol.
Q: Does Alphagan contain sulfa? Does it need to be refrigerated?
A: Alphagan eye drops should not be used by patients allergic to sulfa drugs. The Alphagan eye drop containing eye drops should not be refrigerated.
Q: Does Alphagan eye drop lower blood pressure? Does it stop growth of hemangiomas?
A: Alphagan eye drop is used to lower blood pressure. It may be used to stop growth of hemangiomas (only after prescription from the doctor).
Q: Does Alphagan cause weight gain/hair loss/ miosis/make eyelashes grow/ cause dry eyes/slow heart rate?
A: Alphagan eye drop does not make eyelashes grow. It is a blood pressure lowering medication. It is not known to cause weight gain/hair loss/miosis. It may cause dry eyes/slow heart rate as a side effect. If any side effects of the drug are observed then one should inform the doctor immediately.
Brimonidine eye drops
Q: Is Brimonidine the same as Alphagan?
A: Yes, Alphagan is a trade name of drug brimonidine.
Q: Is Brimonidine eye drops tartrate a beta blocker?
A: Brimonidine eye drops tartrate is a sympatomimetic drug and not a beta blocker.
Q: Does Brimonidine eye drops cause fatigue?
A: Yes, feeling fatigue is a very common side effect of brimonidine. Always consult your doctor if you experience such type of side effect.
Q: Why does brimonidine cause miosis?
A: Brimonidine eye drops causing this side effect is very rare. It may be because of overdose of other alpha2-agonists. Always consult your doctor if you experience such type of side effect.
Q: How does Brimonidine eye drops lower intraocular pressure (iop)?
A: It reduces the intraocular pressure by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye
