Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml

Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml is indicated to lower the intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and results in reduced vision. Ocular hypertension is increased pressure in the eye due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). 
 
Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml is a combination of Brimonidine tartrate (alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists) and Benzalkonium chloride (preservative). Brimonidine tartrate decreases the production of aqueous humour, thereby helping lower the increased pressure in the eye. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative.
 
Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml is for ophthalmic use only. You are advised to use Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as blurred vision, eye redness, discomfort, drowsiness and dry mouth. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
 
Consult a doctor before using Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml might cause drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper as it may contaminate the contents. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.

Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml contains Brimonidine tartrate and Benzalkonium chloride. Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml is indicated for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Brimonidine tartrate belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. It helps decrease the production of aqueous humour, thereby helps lower the increased pressure in the eye. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative.

• Blurred/abnormal vision
• Eye redness
• Eye discomfort
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dry mouth

Do not use Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml if you are allergic to any of its contents, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. Inform your doctor before using Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml if you have liver problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, dry eyes, cornea problems, coronary heart disease, depression, or poor/disturbed blood circulation. Consult a doctor before using Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml might temporarily cause drowsiness and abnormal/blurred vision; so, drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol while using Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml as it might cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml may have interaction with tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics (chlorpromazine), an alkaloid (reserpine), stimulant (methylphenidate), alpha-blocker (prazosin).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Alphagan Eye Drops 5ml may have interactions with conditions such as depression, heart problems, and circulation problems.

• CHLORPROMAZINE
• RESERPINE
• METHYLPHENIDATE
• PRAZOSIN

• Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands. 
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Avoid intake of baked foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts or fried items such as French fries and stick margarine as these foods may worsen glaucoma and damage the optic nerve.
• Cut down your coffee intake as it may increase pressure in the eye. Replace coffee with green tea.
• Avoid exercises such as any position where the head is lower than the body, like an inverted yoga pose, as it may increase pressure in the eye. Doing selective exercises is advised for glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Ocular hypertension is a condition caused due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). This leads to a build-up of excess fluid in the eye resulting in increased pressure inside the eye without any damage to the optic nerve. If ocular hypertension is not controlled, it may lead to glaucoma.