Generic name: brimonidine ophthalmic [ bri-MO-ni-deen-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Alphagan P
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

What is Alphagan P?

Alphagan P reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Alphagan P is a prescription eye drop used to reduce pressure inside the eyes in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Alphagan P is for use in adults and children as young as 2 years old.

Warnings

Stop using Alphagan P if your eyes become swollen, painful, or have a discharge. See your doctor as soon as possible.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Alphagan P if you are allergic to brimonidine.

To make sure Alphagan P is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, circulation problems;

• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);

• low blood pressure;

• depression; or

• Raynaud's syndrome, Buerger disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Related/similar drugs

epinephrine ophthalmic, latanoprost ophthalmic, timolol ophthalmic, pilocarpine ophthalmic, brimonidine ophthalmic, Lumigan, Xalatan

How should I use Alphagan P?

Use Alphagan P exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

If you wear soft contact lenses, use the drops at least 10 minutes before inserting your lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the Alphagan P eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the Alphagan P eye drops if the liquid looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Alphagan P for Intraocular Hypertension:

1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Adult Dose of Alphagan P for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Pediatric Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

2 years or older:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Pediatric Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

2 years or older:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart.

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Comments:
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Alphagan P is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using Alphagan P?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Alphagan P will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Alphagan P side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Alphagan P: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain or increased watering;

• vision changes; or

• severe swelling, redness, burning, or discomfort in or around your eye.

Common Alphagan P side effects may include:

• mild itching, redness, burning, or other irritation of your eyes;

• dry mouth, blurred vision; or

• drowsiness, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Alphagan P?

Using Alphagan P with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an antidepressant; or

• heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Alphagan P, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Lumify and Alphagan P?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Alphagan P only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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