Alphagan® Ophthalmic Solution for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

These prescription eye drops help lower high pressure inside the eye. They are used in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension to reduce strain on the optic nerve. Ships from Canada to US, and you can compare options without insurance.

What Alphagan Is and How It Works

Alphagan® contains brimonidine tartrate, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It reduces aqueous humor production and may increase uveoscleral outflow, which helps lower intraocular pressure. This mechanism can protect the optic nerve when used as directed. Many patients use it alone or with other glaucoma medicines.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Glaucoma care is long-term. Regular eye exams help monitor your response and support optic nerve health. Learn more about the condition in our overview of Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension. For seasonal reminders about eye care, see Healthy Vision Month.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Clinicians may use it alone or as add-on therapy when further pressure reduction is desired. People with known hypersensitivity to brimonidine or any component should not use it.

Some patients refer to these as Alphagan glaucoma drops. The product is not approved for infants; brimonidine is contraindicated in neonates and children under two years. Use in young children should follow specialist guidance.

Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. If you need a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor instead, ask about Dorzolamide.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Typical adult dosing is one drop in the affected eye or eyes three times daily, about eight hours apart. Some regimens use twice-daily dosing when combined with other ocular hypotensives; defer to your prescriber and the official label.

Alphagan eye drops are for topical ophthalmic use only. To reduce systemic absorption and increase local effect, use nasolacrimal occlusion by gently pressing the inner corner of the eye for one to two minutes after instilling a drop. If you use more than one type of eye drop, separate administrations by at least five minutes.

Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid to form a pocket, and avoid touching the dropper tip. Replace the cap tightly after each use.

Strengths and Forms

This prescription is supplied as a sterile multi‑dose solution for ocular use. Common bottle sizes include 5 mL and 10 mL; availability may vary by pharmacy. Some markets may also offer a larger bottle size.

Many patients receive Alphagan ophthalmic solution 0.2%. Preservative content and formulations can differ by brand or region; review your label for the exact presentation dispensed. For a broader selection of eye therapies, visit our Ophthalmology category.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, instill it when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled time. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not use extra drops to make up for a missed dose.

Try to dose at evenly spaced times each day. Consistency helps maintain target intraocular pressure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature as directed on the label. Keep the bottle tightly closed and protect it from contamination by not touching the dropper tip to any surface, including the eye or fingers. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry your medication in original labeled packaging in your hand luggage. Pack a spare bottle if your prescriber approves, and bring a copy of your prescription. Avoid excessive heat or freezing during trips. If you wear contact lenses, carry a lens case and solution so you can remove lenses before dosing.

Discard the bottle by the period specified on your label or as advised by your pharmacist after opening. Do not share eye drops with others.

Benefits

This treatment can help reduce high eye pressure, which is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage. It may be used alone or with other classes, providing flexibility across disease stages. Multi‑dose bottles are straightforward to carry and use for daily routines.

Many patients find once- or twice‑daily combination regimens easier to follow when add‑on therapy is prescribed. Your eye care team can tailor a plan based on your target pressure and tolerability.

Side Effects and Safety

• Eye irritation: burning, stinging, or discomfort after dosing
• Redness: conjunctival hyperemia or eyelid redness
• Dry mouth: a common systemic effect
• Blurred vision: usually transient after instillation
• Headache or drowsiness: central nervous system effects
• Foreign body sensation or itching: local sensitivity

Serious reactions are less common but may include allergic conjunctivitis, eyelid swelling, severe eye redness, or signs of infection such as pain and discharge. Stop use and seek medical advice if you experience breathing problems, fainting, severe dizziness, or a marked drop in blood pressure. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur and may require discontinuation. This class can enhance sedative effects with alcohol or CNS depressants.

If you have cardiovascular disease, orthostatic hypotension, depression, reduced renal or hepatic function, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, discuss precautions with your prescriber. Contact lens wearers should note that some formulations contain benzalkonium chloride, which can discolor soft lenses.

People with diabetes benefit from regular retinal exams; see our overview on Diabetic Eye Disease for general education.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you take. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants can affect catecholamine pathways and may interact. Antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, and CNS depressants can increase risks such as low blood pressure or sedation.

Use caution if you operate machinery or drive after dosing until you know how you respond. Alcohol and sedative medicines can increase drowsiness. Good glycemic control supports overall eye health; read more in our article on How Diabetes Affects Eyes.

What to Expect Over Time

With regular use, your eye pressure may trend closer to your target set by your clinician. Comfort effects such as mild stinging often decrease as you refine your instillation technique. Ongoing checkups allow adjustments if your pressure goals are not reached.

Adherence is critical for long-term outcomes. Set reminders on your phone, keep a dosing log, and bring your bottle to appointments so your clinician can confirm technique. For general eye care reminders, see Cataract Awareness.

Compare With Alternatives

Several approved options treat elevated intraocular pressure. Beta blockers such as Timolol Maleate are often first-line or add‑on choices for many patients without contraindications. Prostaglandin analogs like Vyzulta® are widely used once‑daily options, especially for nocturnal pressure control.

Some patients use Generic brimonidine ophthalmic solution when a comparable formulation is appropriate. Your prescriber will determine whether a switch or add‑on suits your clinical goals and tolerance.

Pricing and Access

We provide transparent information so you can compare Alphagan Ophthalmic Solution price with other options. Many customers value Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada. You can view current pricing on the product page and see typical cash-pay ranges without claiming insurance benefits.

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Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by size and formulation. If your item is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative in the same class or a different class, depending on your treatment plan. Pharmacists dispense within the prescriber’s directions and local regulations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may be suitable for adults who need additional pressure reduction or who cannot tolerate other classes. It may not be appropriate for people using MAO inhibitors, infants, or those with specific hypersensitivities. Review your full medical history with your clinician before starting.

To save on total costs, ask about multi‑month fills if your prescription allows. Set refill reminders to prevent lapses in therapy. If you use more than one eye drop, a single co‑pay or consolidated refill schedule may reduce clinic visits. Discuss generic options if clinically appropriate.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Primary goal: what is my target eye pressure?
• Dosing plan: how many times per day for my case?
• Combination use: should I add a beta blocker or prostaglandin?
• Side effects: which symptoms require a call or visit?
• Contact lenses: how to time dosing with lenses?
• Follow-up: how often should I schedule pressure checks?
• Travel: how do I store the bottle on trips?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing information, consult the US label on DailyMed. See the official document here on the FDA repository DailyMed brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% labeling. Manufacturer information is available from the sponsor; review current updates on the company’s site AbbVie Alphagan brand page. Health Canada also maintains a drug database; see the federal listing for reference Health Canada Drug Product Database.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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