Price Comparison | Manufacturer: Alphagan
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What is Alphagan?
Alphagan reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.
Alphagan is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).
Alphagan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Alphagan?
Do not use Alphagan 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 Alphagan, 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 Alphagan 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 Alphagan 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Alphagan?
You should not use Alphagan if you are allergic to brimonidine.
Do not use Alphagan 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 Alphagan, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease; liver disease; heart disease or high blood pressure;circulation problems, such as Raynaud's syndrome or Buerger's disease; ora history of fainting or low blood pressure.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Alphagan.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Alphagan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Alphagan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Alphagan?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Do not use Alphagan 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 Alphagan before putting your contact lenses in.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
If you use any other eye medications, wait about 5 minutes after using Alphagan eye drops before using the other medication.
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.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of Alphagan is unlikely to cause life-threatening side effects.
What should I avoid while using Alphagan?
Alphagan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid using any eye medications your doctor has not prescribed. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, sedatives, and medicine for seizures can add to sleepiness caused by Alphagan. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.
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