Alphagan® Ophthalmic Solution for Lowering Eye Pressure

What Alphagan® Is and How It Works

Alphagan® is the branded brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to lower intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. People searching for Alphagan Ophthalmic Solution buy options often compare strengths and dosing. Some also look for Alphagan eye drops without insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

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We partner with licensed, vetted pharmacies to source authentic brand medicines with a broad selection and value-focused pricing.

Brimonidine works by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow. This dual action lowers eye pressure and helps protect the optic nerve over time. The solution is for topical ocular use only. Typical dosing is multiple times daily, as directed by a clinician. For background information on the condition, see our Glaucoma page.

Dosage and Usage

• Wash hands. Tilt head back. Gently pull the lower eyelid to make a small pocket.
• Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) as prescribed, often three times daily about 8 hours apart.
• Close eyes gently for 1–2 minutes. Do not squeeze the eyelids. Optionally, press the inner corner of the eye for 1 minute.
• Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye, fingers, or any surface.
• If using multiple eye medicines, wait at least 5–10 minutes between drops.
• If a dose is missed, use it when remembered. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Remove soft contact lenses before dosing. Wait 15 minutes before reinserting lenses.
• Ask a clinician about use in children; it is generally not recommended in infants.

• Store at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Keep the bottle tightly closed and upright.
• Protect from light. Do not freeze. Avoid heat and humidity.
• When traveling, keep drops in carry-on baggage. Use a small insulated pouch if needed. Do not place against ice packs.
• Do not leave the bottle in a parked car or near heaters.
• Check the label for the in-use period. Many eye drops are replaced 28–30 days after opening.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Alphagan helps lower eye pressure by acting on alpha-2 receptors in the ciliary body. It reduces fluid production and increases drainage. Many patients see meaningful pressure reductions that support long-term vision preservation. The drop format is quick to apply and fits into daily routines.

Results often begin within hours and stabilize with regular use. It can be used alone or combined with other classes if additional pressure lowering is needed. This flexibility helps clinicians tailor therapy to reach target intraocular pressure.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices when ordering through CanadianInsulin, which can help if paying without insurance. See our Alphagan coupon page for current offers, if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Eye discomfort, burning or stinging after instillation
• Eye redness, itching, or allergic conjunctivitis
• Dry mouth or dry nose
• Blurred vision or light sensitivity
• Fatigue, drowsiness, or headache
• Foreign body sensation
• Eyelid inflammation

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe allergic responses, significant drowsiness, low blood pressure, or slow heart rate. Avoid use in infants and young children due to risk of central nervous system depression. Use caution with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, CNS depressants, and antihypertensives. Contact lens wearers should note benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses; remove lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion. Seek medical care if severe eye redness, swelling, rash, fainting, or trouble breathing occur.

Onset Time

Pressure reduction can begin within 1 hour after a dose, with peak effect around 2–3 hours. Some day-to-day variability can occur, so regular use on a set schedule supports consistent results. The overall response is typically assessed over the first few weeks as the dosing routine stabilizes and any add-on medicines are coordinated.

Compare With Alternatives

Several approved options can help lower intraocular pressure. Prostaglandin analogs such as bimatoprost are often used once daily and increase uveoscleral outflow. See Lumigan Rc for a commonly used prostaglandin option. Beta-blocker drops like timolol reduce aqueous production and may be dosed once or twice daily. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (topical) also reduce fluid production and are used alone or in combination products.

Alphagan may be preferred when an alpha-2 agonist is desired, or when a non–beta-blocker option is needed. Prostaglandins often offer strong 24-hour control with once-daily dosing, while alpha-2 agents can be helpful during daytime peaks or as add-on therapy. Choice depends on target pressure, tolerability, and dosing preferences.

Combination Therapy

• With a prostaglandin analog at night for 24-hour coverage.
• With timolol once or twice daily to enhance aqueous suppression.
• With a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for additional daytime lowering.
• Separate different drops by 5–10 minutes to reduce washout.
• Clinicians may adjust strengths or frequencies if low blood pressure, fatigue, or ocular redness occurs.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Alphagan is used in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need additional pressure reduction. It may not be suitable for infants and very young children. Caution is advised in people with severe cardiovascular disease, orthostatic hypotension, depression, or significant renal/hepatic impairment. Review current medicines, including MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants, with a clinician. Those who wear soft contact lenses should remove them before dosing due to benzalkonium chloride.

To manage costs, some patients compare brand and generic brimonidine options and select multi-month quantities. Planning refills early, combining items in one shipment, and using available promotions can reduce shipping and handling visits. Reorder reminders help prevent gaps in therapy without overordering. For related conditions, visit High Eye Pressure and Eye Conditions.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Alphagan (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution)

Manufacturer Prescribing Information — Alphagan P (AbbVie/Allergan)

Health Canada Drug Product Database — Brimonidine Ophthalmic

Order Alphagan® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the product label.