Brimonidine tartrate is the generic name for what is commonly sold in the market as Alphagan P. The ophthalmic solution or eye drops is a clear greenish-yellow liquid.
This ophthalmic solution gained approval by the FDA in 1996 to treat the symptoms of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by reducing the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye to effectively help the patient.
This article discusses everything about brimonidine tartrate, including the uses, side-effects, dosage, interactions, and precautions. Read further to know more.
As mentioned above, Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate) is used to treat ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. It is important to note here, that it does not cure these conditions, but only manages the symptoms.
It works by increasing the drained quantity of aqueous humor and decreasing the quantity that is made in the eye, thus reducing the overall pressure exerted. Remember, high pressure in the eye can lead to complete blindness or vision loss, and even serious nerve damage.
This solution in gel form is also used to topically treat facial erythema of rosacea. Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a skin condition extremely common in middle-aged women with fair skin. This condition causes visible blood vessels in the face and red, pus-filled, swollen bumps.
Brimonidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Thus, its topical application for persistent erythema of rosacea works by constriction of the dilated blood vessels in the face. This effectively reduces the redness caused due to rosacea. Brimonidine gel is the first topical treatment approved to treat erythema of rosacea.
Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution can have several side-effects varying in severity. They have been mentioned in the following list, divided into severe and less severe if experienced.
This is not a complete list of the side-effects caused by brimonidine tartrate. However, in case you experience any of these, immediately contact a medical health professional. Therefore, do not stop or change the dose without proper consultation.
For patients of ocular hypertension and glaucoma using the eye drops to manage their symptoms, it is suggested to use one drop, thrice a day. But keep a minimum time of 8 hours between the three doses.
To manage minor ocular pain or irritation, use a 0.025% ophthalmic solution. Instill one drop every 6 -8 hours as needed but do not exceed 4 drops a day.
The topical gel of brimonidine tartrate should be used in pea-size amounts once a day to treat persistent erythema of rosacea. Apply daily and focus on the five prime areas of the face – central forehead, nose, both cheeks, and chin.
Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water before opening the bottle to maintain hygiene. Tilt your head backward and create a pocket by pulling the lower eyelid with your index finger.
Carefully place the tip of the dropper as close to your eye as possible without actually touching the surface. It is important that the dropper does not come in contact with the surface of the eye, hands, or any other surface as this can lead to contamination. Insert a drop and gently shut your eyes for 2 – 3 minutes. And do not rub, squeeze, or blink during this period.
To avoid the medicine from draining out of your eyes, place a finger on the inner corner of your eye, near the nose, and apply light pressure. Do not try and clean the dropper by any means but simply replace the dropper cap after each use.
Some important things to keep in mind while making use of these eye drops:
It is very common for certain drugs to cause adverse effects when in interaction with other drugs. Remember to provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications. Some of the drugs that brimonidine tartrate can interact with are:
Patients who take antihypertensives or cardiac glycosides should not be taking brimonidine tartrate since it can lower the blood pressure of the patient.
Alcohol, opiates, sedatives, among others, are CNS depressants that might have a potentiating effect when combined with brimonidine tartrate.
There is not an adequate amount of research present to determine if antidepressants hinder the pressure-lowering effects of Alphagan P. But they do affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors might interfere and interact with brimonidine tartrate to effectively cause hypotension in the patient thus reducing the metabolism of brimonidine tartrate.
Brimonidine tartrate is not advised for children under the age of 2 years, mainly because the safety and efficacy have not yet been thoroughly tested.
Pregnant women should only take brimonidine tartrate if prescribed by the doctor and if completely necessary. There has been no evidence to conclude that brimonidine tartrate is excreted in breast milk in humans. However, the potential risks of breastfeeding infants with brimonidine tartrate can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, before you start feeding your child it is advised not to consume the drug or discontinue it completely .
The effects of Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate) are not yet known on patients diagnosed with hepatic or renal impairment. Hence, they should be closely administered.
The drug has minimal effects on blood pressure, but it should still be carefully consumed in patients with any kind of cardiovascular disease.
As mentioned above, brimonidine tartrate is known to cause sleepiness and nausea. Therefore, patients are advised to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery at least until the symptoms have completely subsided.
Overdose of Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate) usually only leads to hypotension in adults, which is followed by extreme hypertension. Also, keep in mind, one bottle should not be used by more than one patient.
Contact a doctor in case any of the symptoms persist for too long. Do not change, stop, or start taking the medication without consulting a doctor first.
