ALPHAGAN Z DROPS

ALPHAGAN Z contains Brimonidine which belongs to the group of medicines called Ophthalmic anti-glaucoma agents. It is used to manage ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Ocular hypertension refers to increased pressure within the eye without any significant damage to the optic nerve. Whereas glaucoma is a group of eye condition that causes significant damage to the optic nerve due to elevated pressure within the eye followed by vision loss if left unmanageed.

Both ocular hypertension and glaucoma are caused due to impaired secretion or drainage of fluids (aqueous humour) within the eyes. Brimonidine reduces the pressure within the eyes by decreasing the production of excessive eye fluids (aqueous humour) while simultaneously increasing their drainage. This reduces strain on the eyes and therefore decreases the elevated pressure within the eye.

Before using ALPHAGAN Z inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have depression or other types of mental illnesses.

Consult your doctor before using ALPHAGAN Z if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 12 years due to lack of safety data.

If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying ALPHAGAN Z and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. ALPHAGAN Z may make your vision blur, therefore be cautious while you drive or operate heavy tools.

The most common side-effect of using ALPHAGAN Z are eye redness, burning sensation, eye inflammation and itching, watery eyes, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

USES OF ALPHAGAN Z

• Manages ocular hypertension and glaucoma

HOW ALPHAGAN Z WORKS

ALPHAGAN Z effectively reduces the elevated pressure within the eye, where brimonidine acts by decreasing the production of excessive eye fluids (aqueous humour) while simultaneously increasing their drainage. This reduces strain on the eyes and therefore decreases the elevated pressure within the eye.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use ALPHAGAN Z as advised by your doctor. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before use. Instil few drops of ALPHAGAN Z into the affected eye. Close your eyes and press the corner of your eye with your finger for a minute.

Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your eye or other body surface to avoid contamination. Apply applying ALPHAGAN Z, leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes before applying other eye drops or ointment. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove the lens before applying ALPHAGAN Z and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop using ALPHAGAN Z without consulting your doctor, as the pressure within the eye may raise once again.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ALPHAGAN Z

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Eye redness, itching or burning sensation:

Wash your eyes with plain cold water. Place an ice pack on your eye to ease the irritation. Avoid straining your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Wear protective eyeglasses while going outdoors.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Blurred vision:

Close your eyes and relax. Do not strain your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops, or television. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines while your vision is blur. Consult your doctor if you experience blurred vision for a prolonged period.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before using ALPHAGAN Z, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• medicines used to manage depression such as (Ex. citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
• medicines used to induce sleep (Ex. alprazolam, midazolam, phenobarbital)
• medicines used to manage mental illness (Ex. chlorpromazine, methylphenidate, reserpine)
• pain killers (Ex. paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• medicines used to lower blood pressure (Ex. enalapril, ramipril)
• medicines that work similar to brimonidine (Ex. prazosin, isoprenaline)
• anaesthetics (used to induce numbness) Ex. lidocaine

Overdosage:

It is unlikely to have an overdosage of ALPHAGAN Z in adults. However, if overdosage occurs in children receiving ALPHAGAN Z as a part of their management contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdosage might include sleepiness, floppiness, low temperature or breathing difficulties.