Brimonidine (Alphagan) is used to treat glaucoma or another condition in which pressure in the eye is very high creating a condition called ocular hypertension. You will need to speak to your doctor or pharmacist to know more about the uses of Alphagan.

To use the eye drops, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and by pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed, apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye, and do not blink. If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop. Use Alphagan only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medicine being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects.

Usually, for glaucoma or ocular hypertension, adults can use one drop in the affected eye (s) three times a day and your doctor must determine children?s dose. The dose of ophthalmic Alphagan will be different for different patients. You need to follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. These eye drops contain a preservative that could be absorbed by soft lenses. If you wear soft contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes after putting eye drops in before you put in your soft contact lenses. If your doctor ordered two different eye drops to be used together, wait at least 10 minutes between the times you apply the medicines. This will help to keep the second medicine from ?washing out? the first one.

Alphagan may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Consult your doctor about the possible side effects of using this drug for your condition. Inform your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Alphagan.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that Alphagan is working properly. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort. Always consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription.

If you miss a dose of Alphagan, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Alphagan should be stored at room temperature. It should be kept away from excess heat and moisture. Hence, should not be stored in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Brimonidine should be kept in the container it came in only. The container should be kept tightly closed and out of reach of children. To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including the eye. If the medicine become outdated or you are no longer taking it then you need to discard it safely. Consult your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Alphagan may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, tired or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to Alphagan before you drive, use machines or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.