Brimonidine (bri-MOE-ni-deen)

Lowers pressure inside the eye caused by glaucoma or hypertension in the eye. Also relieves eye redness.

Brand Name(s):

Alphagan P

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with a second drop.
• The eye drops will normally be a clear liquid with a greenish-yellow color. If the color changes or the liquid becomes cloudy, do not use the medicine. Get a new bottle from the pharmacy.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Lumify™. You may insert them again after 10 minutes.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines may affect how brimonidine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Digoxin
  • Blood pressure medicine (including hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], lisinopril, quinapril)
  • MAO inhibitor (including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• If you are also using other eye medicines together with brimonidine, use them at least 5 minutes from each other.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up), blood vessel disease (including Raynaud phenomenon, thromboangiitis obliterans), depression, or if you have had a heart attack or stroke.
• Alphagan® P may make you lightheaded, dizzy, or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• Burning, stinging, dry, or itching eyes
• Eye discharge or excessive tearing
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
• Redness in the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• Red, painful, or swollen eyelids
• Severe eye irritation or pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Sensitivity of the eyes to light
• Upset stomach

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088