What are Aphagan Eyedops?

Alphagan is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high fluid pressure in the eye. Lowering high fluid pressure in the eye reduces the risk of vision loss, nerve damage, or blindness. This medication lowers pressure by allowing better fluid drainage from within the eye and also by reducing the amount of fluid formed in the eye. It is known as an alpha agonist. This drug is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age due to an increased risk of serious side effects such as very slowed breathing. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
• If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using this medication. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before putting in your contact lens.
• Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and insert one drop, usually three times daily, or as directed by your doctor. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out
• Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed by your doctor.
• Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
• If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying the other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
• It is important to continue this medication even if you do not have any symptoms. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: blood vessel diseases (thromboangiitis obliterans), blood circulation disorders (cerebral or coronary insufficiency), depression, severe heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, Raynaud's disease, low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).
• If you are using marijuana.
• If you are breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
• Caution is advised when using this medication in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially drowsiness.
• This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Eye discomfort/itching/redness, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth, drowsiness, or tiredness.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fast/pounding heartbeats, persistent headache, eye pain/burning/swelling, extreme sensitivity to light, vision changes.
• Fainting, slow/irregular heartbeats.
• Any symptoms of an allergic reaction. These could include rashes or itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or troubles with breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while using Alphagan?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Alphagan will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.