Brimonidine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to reduce pressure inside the eyes in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The Alphagan P brand of brimonidine ophthalmic is available only with a prescription.

The Lumify brand of brimonidine ophthalmic is available without a prescription, and is used to relieve eye redness and irritation.

Alphagan P is for use in adults and children as young as 2 years old. Lumify is for use in adults and children who are at least 5 years old.

Brimonidine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you wear contact lenses, use the drops at least 10 minutes before inserting your lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

If you are using brimonidine ophthalmic to treat eye redness or irritation, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.

Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Comments:
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Comments:
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Pediatric Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:

2 years or older:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Comments:
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Usual Pediatric Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):

2 years or older:
1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, approximately 8 hours apart

Comments:
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the products should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.

Use: To lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

You should not use brimonidine ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, circulation problems;

• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);

• low blood pressure;

• depression; or

• Raynaud's syndrome, Buerger disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

An overdose of brimonidine ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how brimonidine ophthalmic will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain or increased watering;

• vision changes; or

• severe swelling, redness, burning, or discomfort in or around your eye.

Common side effects of brimonidine ophthalmic may include:

• mild itching, redness, burning, or other irritation of your eyes;

• dry mouth, blurred vision; or

• drowsiness, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using brimonidine ophthalmic with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an antidepressant; or

• heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect brimonidine ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Combigan® (containing Brimonidine, Timolol)