Alphagan® Ophthalmic Solution for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Alphagan is a prescription eye drop for lowering intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This page explains how it works, who it may suit, and how to use it correctly. For US patients, this medicine Ships from Canada to US, and we outline options for those paying Brimonidine without insurance.

What Alphagan Is and How It Works

Alphagan® contains brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to reduce raised pressure inside the eye. It works by decreasing aqueous humor production and may also increase uveoscleral outflow. Many labels describe Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% for adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Effects depend on consistent, directed use.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

The treatment can be used alone or with other glaucoma drops if your prescriber recommends combination therapy. It does not cure glaucoma, but it helps manage pressure to protect the optic nerve over time.

Who It’s For

This medicine helps adults diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, including those newly starting therapy and those adding another agent. Some patients use Alphagan eye drops as adjunct therapy when a single agent is not enough. Children may require specialist guidance; it is contraindicated in infants under two years. People with severe cardiovascular disease, depression, or orthostatic hypotension should discuss risks with a clinician before starting.

Learn more about the conditions it treats: Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescription label exactly. Standard labeling recommends one drop in the affected eye or eyes three times daily, about eight hours apart. If your regimen includes other eye medicines, separate products by at least five minutes to prevent washout. Some patients use Brimonidine ophthalmic solution alongside prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers when directed by a clinician.

Administration tips:

• Clean hands first, then tilt your head back.
• Gently pull the lower lid to create a small pocket.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or skin.
• After instilling a drop, close your eyes and press the inner corner of the eyelid for 1–2 minutes (punctal occlusion).
• Remove soft contact lenses before dosing; wait 15 minutes before reinserting.

Use only as prescribed. Do not change your schedule without speaking with your healthcare professional.

Strengths and Forms

This product is a sterile solution supplied in plastic dropper bottles. Common pack sizes include 5 mL, and larger bottles may also be available. Many patients receive Brimonidine 5 mL eye drops for ongoing therapy. The commonly published strength is 0.2%. Availability can vary by manufacturer and market.

Check your label for bottle size and strength. If your prescriber authorizes substitution, a compatible generic may be dispensed when appropriate.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume your regular timing. Do not use extra drops to make up for a missed dose. Try to space doses evenly across the day for steady coverage.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle at room temperature in a dry place away from direct light. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Do not freeze. Discard the bottle by the expiration date or as directed by your pharmacist. Keep out of reach of children.

When you travel, carry your medicine in your hand luggage. Keep it in the original packaging with the prescription label. Pack a copy of your prescription or a photo of the label on your phone in case airport staff request documentation. Set reminders on your phone to maintain dosing while crossing time zones. For hygiene, avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface. For product types that need special control, our processes include temperature-controlled handling when required.

For general eye wellness while on treatment, you may also like our article: Healthy Vision Month.

Benefits

This medicine can lower elevated pressure inside the eye when used as prescribed. It can be used alone or in combination with other drops, offering flexibility if you need multi-agent therapy. Once-daily bottles, familiar dropper design, and compatibility with common adjuncts make it practical for many treatment plans. Results depend on adherence and regular follow-up with your prescriber.

Side Effects and Safety

• Eye redness or irritation
• Burning or stinging on instillation
• Blurred vision shortly after dosing
• Dry mouth
• Headache, fatigue, or drowsiness
• Itchy or watery eyes

Allergic reactions can occur, including eyelid swelling or conjunctival follicles. Rarely, significant lowering of blood pressure or slow heart rate may occur. Stop use and seek medical help for breathing problems, severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you use, including eye products and supplements. Important cautions include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may interact.
• Drugs that reduce blood pressure can have additive effects.
• Central nervous system depressants may increase drowsiness.
• Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes to reinsert.

If you use other glaucoma drops, your prescriber may choose agents from different classes, such as beta-blockers like Timolol, to complement this therapy when suitable.

What to Expect Over Time

Your clinician will check pressure at follow-up visits and adjust therapy if needed. Some people notice eye comfort changes after starting, while others do not feel a difference. Relief of symptoms is not a reliable indicator of pressure control, so keep appointments even if you feel well. If your treatment plan adds or switches drops, follow the updated instructions exactly and set reminders to stay on schedule.

Compare With Alternatives

Several approved options can also lower intraocular pressure. Prostaglandin analogs are widely used as first-line therapy for many adults. Combination drops can simplify multi-drug regimens when appropriate. Examples we offer include:

• Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution as a prostaglandin analog option.
• Dorzolamide Timolol as a fixed carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and beta-blocker combination.

Other choices, such as brimonidine/timolol combinations or miotics, may be considered when your prescriber deems them appropriate for your case.

Pricing and Access

We offer Canadian pricing with transparent information before checkout. If you are comparing options, reviewing Alphagan price alongside generics can help you plan. For many patients, Canadian pricing on Alphagan helps reduce out-of-pocket spending. Sign in to view current options and upload your prescription for pharmacist review. For occasional deals on select items, see our Promotions. US delivery details are straightforward, and eligible orders Ships from Canada to US.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If a specific bottle size is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative size or a generic brimonidine solution. In some cases, a different class or a fixed-combination product could be suggested instead. Options may include agents like Isopto Carpine or a dual-ingredient choice such as Latanoprost Timolol Ophthalmic Solution when clinically appropriate. Availability details appear on each product page.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need pressure reduction or adjunct therapy. It is not appropriate for infants under two years. People with severe heart disease, low blood pressure, depression, circulation problems such as Raynaud’s, or those taking MAO inhibitors should discuss risks in advance.

• Multi-month fills: Ask your prescriber if a longer supply is appropriate to reduce per-order fees.
• Refill reminders: Set calendar alerts to avoid gaps in therapy.
• Compare options: Review generic and brand to balance access and preferences.
• One pharmacy: Keeping all drops on one order can simplify follow-up questions.
• Follow-up: Regular checks help prevent unnecessary switches or urgent visits.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right first-line option for my type of glaucoma?
• Should I use it alone or with another class of eye drop?
• How should I space doses if I am on more than one drop?
• What signs of intolerance or allergy should I watch for?
• Could any of my current medicines interact with this therapy?
• How long should I wait to reinsert contact lenses after dosing?
• What is the plan if my eye pressure does not respond adequately?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed

FDA Drug Database

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Pricing and Categories

Browse related categories to compare therapies and classes: Ophthalmology.

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