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Alphagan |
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What is Alphagan and why is it prescribed? Alphagan lowers high pressure in the eye, a problem typically caused by the condition known as open-angle glaucoma. Alphagan works in two ways: it reduces production of the liquid that fills the eyeball, and it promotes drainage of this liquid. Alphagan may have a slight effect on blood pressure. If you have severe heart disease, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Caution is warranted. How should you take Alphagan? Follow your doctors directions for taking Alphagan. Alphagan is administered with an eyedropper. If you are using other eyedrops or ointments, allow at least 5 minutes between doses of each product. The benzalkonium chloride used as a preservative in Alphagan can be absorbed by soft contact lenses; wait 15 minutes after using the drug before you insert the lenses. A formulation called Alphagan P is free of this preservative. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Alphagan at room temperature. Are there any Alphagan side effects? Alphagan side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Alphagan side effects may include abnormal vision, allergic reaction, blurred vision, burning and stinging, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes, dry mouth, eye pain or irritation, fatigue, feeling of foreign body in the eye, headache, inflamed or swollen eyelids, itchy eyes, loss of tissue or staining of the cornea, muscle pain, red or swollen eyes, sensitivity to light, stomach problems, tearing, upper respiratory symptoms, watery eyes, and weakness. Less common Alphagan side effects may include altered taste, anxiety, bleeding in the eye, contracted pupils, depression, discharge from the eye, dry nose, fainting, high blood pressure, inflamed iris, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, lid crusting, low blood pressure, skin reactions, and slow or rapid heartbeat. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Alphagan? If Alphagan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Alphagan with Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital and Seconal), Other sleep medications (such as Ambien and Sonata), Narcotic painkillers (such as Darvon, Percodan, and Vicodin), Alcohol, Drugs classified as beta blockers (such as the high blood pressure medications Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin), Other high blood pressure drugs, Heart drugs (such as Isordil, Lanoxin, and Nitro-Dur), or Tricyclic antidepressant drugs (such as Sinequan, Surmontil, and Vivactil). Are there any special warnings about Alphagan? Use Alphagan with caution if you have circulation problems, low blood pressure, or depression. Caution is also warranted if you have liver or kidney problems, since Alphagan's effects under these conditions have not been studied. Alphagan's effect may diminish over time. The doctor should check your eye pressure periodically. Alphagan makes some people drowsy. Alphagan has not been studied in children under 2 years of age. |
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