Alphagan
Brimonidine eye drops for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It reduces fluid production in the eye and increases drainage to lower pressure.
- Category
- Eye Care
- Active ingredient
- Brimonidine
- Route
- Ocular use
- Form
- Ophthalmic Solution
- Strengths
- 5ml
Alphagan is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Alphagan on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Open-angle Glaucoma · Ocular Hypertension
- Alternative names
- brimonidine tartrate
- Therapeutic class
- Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
- Pharmacological class
- Ophthalmic Antiglaucoma Agent
- Contraindications
- monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy; hypersensitivity to brimonidine
- Minor side effects
- ocular burning; eye itching; dry mouth
- Moderate side effects
- conjunctival hyperaemia; blurred vision; drowsiness
- Serious side effects
- severe systemic hypotension, requires immediate medical attention
- Dosage forms
- Ophthalmic Solution
- Administration route
- Ocular use
- Originator
- Allergan
- Onset time
- 1–2 hours
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- MAO Inhibitors; Alcohol; Antihypertensives
- Age restrictions
- Approved for adults and children over two years.
Patient summary
Brimonidine eye drops for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It reduces fluid production in the eye and increases drainage to lower pressure.
Mechanism of action
Reduces aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow through alpha-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Safety not established in human pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
FAQ
Is the Alphagan on Direct Meds a generic?
Yes, you receive a generic. Alphagan is the original brand, made by Allergan, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine; the generic has the same active ingredient (brimonidine) at the same strength. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How is Alphagan priced?
It depends on the pack size. Alphagan comes as 5ml bottles, in packs of 2 to 10 bottles, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per bottle.
Payment and prices →What is Alphagan used for?
Alphagan contains brimonidine, used for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
How long does Alphagan take to work?
Brimonidine usually starts to work within 1 to 2 hours, and its effect lasts about 12 hours. How quickly it works can differ from one person to another.
What are the side effects of Alphagan?
The common side effects of brimonidine are ocular burning, eye itching and dry mouth. Less common ones include conjunctival hyperaemia, blurred vision and drowsiness. Serious but less common side effects include severe systemic hypotension, which needs urgent medical attention.
Does Alphagan interact with alcohol?
Alcohol can interact with brimonidine, so check with a doctor or pharmacist before you drink while taking Alphagan.
What does Alphagan interact with?
Brimonidine can interact with MAO inhibitors and antihypertensives. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Alphagan.
Can I buy Alphagan over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Alphagan. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy Alphagan online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Alphagan names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Brimonidine at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.