Alphagan reduces the amount of fluid in the eye in two ways: It reduces the production of fluid inside the eye, and it increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

Do not use Alphagan if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have any type of heart condition, including high blood pressure;
· take medicine to treat a heart condition;
· have Raynaud's disease (poor circulation in your hands and feet);
· have poor blood flow in any of the arteries in your heart or your neck;
· experience a lot of dizziness; or
· suffer from depression.
• You may not be able to use Alphagan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Alphagan is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use Alphagan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether brimonidine passes into breast milk. Do not use Alphagan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.




How should I use Alphagan?
• Use Alphagan eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
• Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
• To apply the eye drops:
· Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat this process in the other eye if directed.
• Alphagan is usually used three times a day. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
• Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses when applying this medication. Alphagan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride) and may discolor contact lenses.
• Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle properly capped.