Alphagan® Ophthalmic Solution for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Alphagan® is a prescription eye drop that lowers intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This page helps you compare options, learn the basics, and prepare to order with US shipping from Canada. If you pay cash, it can also clarify what Alphagan without insurance might look like.

What Alphagan Is and How It Works

This medicine contains brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It reduces aqueous humor production and can increase uveoscleral outflow. The result is a meaningful reduction in eye pressure when used as directed.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

The treatment may be used alone or with other glaucoma agents such as beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or prostaglandin analogs. Many patients use it as add-on therapy when a single agent does not achieve target pressure.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated to reduce intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is not known to improve vision directly. Pressure reduction helps slow disease progression as part of a broader care plan monitored by your clinician.

It should not be used in infants. Caution is advised in young children, older adults sensitive to drowsiness, and those with severe cardiovascular disease, orthostatic hypotension, or depression. People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or certain tricyclic antidepressants should discuss risks with their prescriber. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion due to preservatives.

For background on disease states, see Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Many adults use one drop in the affected eye or eyes three times daily, approximately eight hours apart. When used with other ophthalmic therapies, separate administrations by at least five minutes to reduce washout.

If your prescription specifies Alphagan 0.2% ophthalmic solution, use only as directed by your prescriber. Wash hands first. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and instill one drop without touching the tip to the eye or skin. Close the eye gently for one to two minutes. Consider gentle nasolacrimal occlusion (pressing the inner corner of the eye) to limit systemic exposure.

Remove soft contact lenses before dosing. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses. Keep the cap closed tightly between uses and avoid contaminating the dropper tip.

Strengths and Forms

This product is commonly supplied as an ophthalmic solution in multidose bottles. Formulations may vary by brand and market. The best-known presentation is brimonidine ophthalmic solution 0.2%. Lower-strength P formulations also exist and may contain a different preservative system. Availability can differ by supplier and country of origin.

Bottle sizes are typically small to support sterile handling. Your prescriber’s directions and the label will specify the exact presentation dispensed. If you are considering a different formulation, discuss any preservative differences and your lens-wearing habits with your clinician.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, instill it when remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double dose in the eye. Space other ophthalmic medicines at least five minutes apart and follow your clinician’s sequence if one was given.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle at room temperature per the label. Keep it tightly closed and away from moisture. Protect from contamination by avoiding contact with the tip. Keep out of reach of children and pets. For travel, carry the labeled box or pharmacy receipt in your hand luggage. You may store the medicine in a small, sealable pouch to prevent leaks. If flying, keep it with you rather than in checked baggage. For international trips, bring a copy of your prescription and allow extra time at security.

Benefits

This class can lower eye pressure when used as directed. It may be used alone or with other glaucoma therapies to help achieve your target pressure. Many patients appreciate that dosing is straightforward and can fit most daily routines. For those sensitive to certain preservatives, a related formulation may be appropriate after discussion with a clinician.

Side Effects and Safety

• Eye redness or irritation
• Burning or stinging on instillation
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Itchy eyes
• Foreign body sensation

Serious effects are uncommon but can include severe allergic eye reactions, significant drowsiness, low blood pressure, or slow heart rate. Use caution if you drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This therapy is not recommended in infants, and caution is advised in young children. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, facial swelling, severe dizziness, or vision changes. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing to reduce preservative exposure to the lens surface.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Talk with your clinician if you use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or drugs that affect blood pressure or heart rhythm. Central nervous system depressants and alcohol can add to drowsiness. When using multiple eye drops, wait several minutes between products. If you use lubricating drops, apply those last unless instructed otherwise. Tell your prescriber about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use.

What to Expect Over Time

You will not feel eye pressure changes directly. Your prescriber measures pressure and decides if the regimen is working. Consistency matters. Use the drops at the same times daily. Consider setting phone alarms to maintain spacing. If you notice persistent redness, allergic symptoms, or intolerable dry mouth or fatigue, contact your prescriber for guidance. Do not stop therapy without medical advice, as pressure can rise again when drops are discontinued.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients do well on a prostaglandin analog as baseline therapy, with this medicine as add-on if needed. If your prescriber considers a switch or add-on, they might discuss options such as Cosopt or Xalatan. Selection depends on your medical history, tolerability, and target pressure. Your clinician will advise.

Pricing and Access

We make it straightforward to compare options and see what affects Alphagan eye drops price without revealing personal health details online. Many patients want to learn about dosing and pricing before ordering. If you prefer a generic route, you can also explore whether you want to Buy brimonidine eye drops based on your prescriber’s advice and your budget. Orders are fulfilled by licensed partners and shipped discreetly.

Look for seasonal offers and manufacturer-supported programs on our Promotions page. We support encrypted checkout for your payment and health details. Your order Ships from Canada to US after prescription verification. For broader learning, see related reading on Combigan Alternatives.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and bottle size. If a specific brand or preservative system is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or a generic equivalent. Pharmacists cannot substitute across different strengths or formulations without a prescriber’s approval. If you wear contact lenses or have sensitivity to preservatives, mention this when your clinician selects a product.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

People with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who can adhere to regular dosing may be good candidates. Those with significant drowsiness from alpha-agonists, infants and very young children, and people on contraindicated medicines may not be suitable. Ask about a multi-month supply if your prescriber approves. Larger fills can reduce per-bottle fees and fewer refills may help you stay on track. Calendar reminders and pharmacy refill alerts can also support adherence.

If you are paying cash, discussing Brimonidine price during your visit can help you and your prescriber choose a formulation that fits your plan. You can review category pages like Ophthalmology to compare similar therapies and discuss options during follow-up visits.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Fit with regimen: How does this therapy fit with my current glaucoma plan?
• Dosing schedule: Is three-times-daily dosing right for my routine?
• Allergy risk: What signs suggest an allergic eye reaction that needs care?
• Contacts: Which preservative system is better if I wear soft lenses?
• Interactions: Are any of my medicines risky with this eye drop?
• Follow-up: When should pressure checks occur after starting or changing therapy?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Brimonidine Ophthalmic Solution

Manufacturer: Alphagan Prescribing Information

Health Canada DPD: Brimonidine

Ready to get started? Place your order for US delivery from Canada with prompt, express shipping once your prescription is verified. This content is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.