brimonidine, (Alphagan, Alphagan P - Discontinued in the US)

1. Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow Pictures
2. Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures
3. Laser Eye Surgery Slideshow Pictures

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

View Full Profile

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

GENERIC NAME: brimonidine

BRAND NAME: Alphagan P, Alphagan (Discontinued in the US)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Brimonidine is is an ophthalmic solution used for the treatment of one type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, too much fluid (aqueous humor) is made within the eye and causes high pressures within the eye. The pressure damages the nerves in the eye responsible for vision, and this ultimately causes blindness. Brimonidine reduces the body's production of aqueous humor and increases the flow of aqueous humor out of the eye, resulting in a decrease in pressure. It accomplishes this by stimulating alpha type 2 receptors selectively in the eye with less effect on alpha type 2 receptors elsewhere in the body. It is the first drug of its class to be used for glaucoma. Brimonidine was approved by the FDA in 1996.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Ophthalmic solution: 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.5%

STORAGE: Brimonidine should be kept at room temperature, 15 C to30 C (59 F to 86 F) and protected for direct light.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Brimonidine is used for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. DOSING: The usual dose is one drop into each affected eye three times daily with each application approximately 8 hours apart.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: In theory, monoamine oxidase Inhibitors (for example, tranylcypromine, selegiline, linezolid) may interfere with the metabolism of brimonidine, increasing the occurrence of low blood pressure.

PREGNANCY: It is not known if brimonidine passes from the mother into the fetus.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if brimonidine is secreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include dry eyes, red eyes, irritation of the eyes, headache, blurred vision, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, and drowsiness. Less common side effects include corneal staining, increased sensitivity to light, eyelid redness, eye pain, tearing, and eyelid swelling. Low blood pressure also may occur.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.