Information About Alphagan P

Common uses
Alphagan P is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat glaucoma and excessive pressure in the eye. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Do not use Alphagan P if you are also taking furazolidone or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If you have questions or concerns about Alphagan P, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know. Tell your physician if you wear contact lenses.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Alphagan P. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. If your medicine comes with a special cap (C-Cap), follow the directions provided in the patient information leaflet from the manufacturer on how to use this properly. Store Alphagan P at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Alphagan P, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Warnings
Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Alphagan P. Alphagan P may cause drowsiness Using Alphagan P alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Wait at least 15 minutes after using Alphagan P before inserting soft contact lenses. Women, it is unknown if Alphagan P is excreted in breast milk. You should not breast-feed if you are using Alphagan P.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth; headache; itching, burning, stinging, redness, or dryness of the eye; blurred vision; feeling of something in the eye; or drowsiness. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience dizziness, stomach discomfort, eyelid crusting, anxiety, palpitations, sensitivity to light, nasal dryness. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Alphagan P may be harmful if swallowed.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Alphagan P. Do not take Alphagan P to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Alphagan P for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.