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This medication is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high fluid pressure in the eye. Lowering high fluid pressure in the eye reduces the risk of vision loss, nerve damage, or blindness. This medication lowers pressure by allowing better fluid drainage from within the eye and also by reducing the amount of fluid formed in the eye. It is known as an alpha agonist.This drug is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age due to an increased risk of serious side effects such as very slowed breathing. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Alphagan Opht
Uses
This medication is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or high fluid pressure in the eye. Lowering high fluid pressure in the eye reduces the risk of vision loss, nerve damage, or blindness. This medication lowers pressure by allowing better fluid drainage from within the eye and also by reducing the amount of fluid formed in the eye. It is known as an alpha agonist.This drug is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age due to an increased risk of serious side effects such as very slowed breathing. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., measuring intraocular pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- This medication may be harmful if swallowed.
How
To Use - To apply eye drops, wash your hands first.
- To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using this medication.
- After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before putting in your contact lens.Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
- Hold the dropper directly over your eye and insert one drop, usually three times daily, or as directed by your doctor.
- Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure.
- Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
- This will prevent the medication from draining out.
- Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed by your doctor.Do not rinse the dropper.
- Replace the dropper cap after each use.If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying the other medications.
- Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.It is important to continue this medication even if you do not have any symptoms.
- Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Remember to use it at the same times each day.
- Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.
Side
Effects - Eye discomfort/itching/redness, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, or tiredness may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeats, persistent headache, eye pain/burning/swelling, extreme sensitivity to light, vision changes.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, slow/irregular heartbeats.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to apraclonidine; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel diseases (thromboangiitis obliterans), blood circulation disorders (cerebral or coronary insufficiency), depression, severe heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, Raynaud's disease, low blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Caution is advised when using this medication in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially drowsiness.
- See also Uses section.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- However, this medication may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine).If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, timolol eye drops), digoxin, high blood pressure medications (e.g., clonidine, terazosin), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), medicine for sleep (e.g., zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tranquilizers.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |
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