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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Alphagan Z and Equivalent

Alphagan Z Information

Alphagan Z (Brimonidine Tartrate) is primarily used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The active ingredient in this formulation is brimonidine tartrate, a member of the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist class of drugs. This medication appears to lower pressure by acting in a dual manner: it likely reduces the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) the eye produces while simultaneously increasing the amount that drains through the uveoscleral pathway.

In a healthy eye, fluid is constantly produced and drained to maintain a steady internal pressure, but when that drainage system becomes sluggish or the production is too high, the pressure builds up. This is ocular hypertension, and if it isn't managed, the pressure can start to crush the optic nerve, the nerve that carries images from your eye to your brain. Since damage to this nerve is usually permanent, Alphagan Z helps by acting as a pressure-relief valve. Relieving this pressure and clearing the drain helps keep it at a level less likely to cause permanent vision loss.

Alphagan Z Side Effects

Some possible side effects that may occur when using this medication include cold-like symptoms (e.g., sore throat, tiredness, nasal congestion, or runny nose), dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheaded feeling or dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position, red, swollen, or itchy eyelid, redness of the eye, signs of an eye infection (e.g., pain, discharge, irritation, redness of the eye; increased sensitivity to light), skin reaction, slowed heartbeat, swelling of the pupil, and vision problems. If you experience any of these mild side effects and they persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Persistent vision changes;
• Severe swelling, redness, burning, or discomfort in or around your eye;

Also, inform your doctor if you notice any other side effects not listed here.

Alphagan Z Precautions

Do not use this eye suspension if you are allergic to brimonidine, other ingredients of Alphagan Z, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Blood circulation disorders;
• Depression;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Raynaud's disease;
• Thromboangiitis obliterans

This medicine may cause blurry vision and drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any potentially hazardous activities until you determine how this medication affects you. If you wear soft contacts, the preservative in some formulations can be absorbed by the lens. The standard advice is to wait at least 15 minutes after dosing before putting your lenses back in. Alphagan Z is typically classified as Pregnancy Category B. This means that while animal studies haven't shown a risk to the fetus, there haven't been enough well-controlled studies in pregnant humans to declare it definitively safe. Most clinicians suggest using it only if the potential benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the baby. It is currently unknown if the drug passes into human breast milk. Many medical guidelines recommend either stopping the drug or choosing not to nurse while using it. This medication is not recommended for use in children under 2 years old. In very small children, the active ingredient can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily, which has been linked to severe respiratory depression, coma, and a dangerous drop in body temperature.

Brimonidine should not be used along with other antidepressant medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Barbiturates, or sedatives, might have an additive effect when combined with brimonidine, making the drowsiness more pronounced. Taking alcohol can also make these effects more pronounced. Therefore, it is imperative to let your doctor know about any medicines or supplements you are currently using, including other eye medications, to determine whether they can interact with Alphagan Z. Apply one drop of this eye topical medication solution to your eyes as directed by your doctor. It is typically applied 2-3 times daily, as directed by your doctor. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more instructions on use. Apply this medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor for optimal effects. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Alphagan Z?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Alphagan Z.