Alphagan

Alphagan eye drops contain the active ingredient brimonidine, which is a type of medicine called an alpha agonist. It works by stimulating alpha receptors found on blood vessels in the eye.
The pressure within the eyeball is naturally maintained by a continuous flow of liquid called aqueous humour through the eyeball. Aqueous humour is produced by a part of the eye called the ciliary body. It drains out of the eyeball through channels called the trabecular meshwork. If the outflow of aqueous humour is blocked, as in glaucoma, the aqueous humour builds up inside the eye, increasing the pressure within the eyeball. This pressure needs to be reduced, as otherwise it can damage the optic nerve and impair vision as a result.

Brimonidine stimulates alpha receptors found on the blood vessels that supply the ciliary body. This causes the blood vessels to constrict, and reduces the amount of watery fluid that filters out of the blood vessels to form aqueous humour.

Important information
Do not use Alphagan P 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 P, 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 P 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 P 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.

Side Effects:

• burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• redness of the eye or eyelid;
• mildly swollen or puffy eyes;
• sensitivity to light;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• headache, dizziness;
• muscle pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dry nose or mouth; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.