lubricant eye drops

All About Brimonidine Tartrate Eye Drops (Generic Alphagan P)

How does Alphagan P work?
Glaucoma results in the blockage of channels called trabecular network within the eye. These channels are necessary for the outflow of the naturally produced aqueous humour fluid that keeps the eyes lubricated and its pressure under control. When the flow of this fluid is disrupted, pressure within the eye mounts. Brimonidine tartrate works to reduce the production of this aqueous humour by stimulating the alpha receptors found on the blood vessels. As a result of this effect, the pressure within the eye goes down, which helps in the treatment of glaucoma.

Side Effects of Alphagan P
As an ophthalmic solution that is administered directly in the eye, Alphagan side effects are generally seen in and around the eyes. Most common among these are included changes in vision, burning or stinging in eyes, dry mouth, eye itching and irritation, headache, dizziness, and inflammation of the eyelids. As most of these Alphagan P side effects are centred on the eyes, they are not generally dangerous for other parts of the body. However, certain patients might experience symptoms such as corneal erosion, fatigue, abnormal taste, and irregular heartbeats. Such Alphagan P side effects should be reported to your doctor, as these might indicate a dosage imbalance.

Guidelines before Taking
Alphagan P is only meant to be administered inside the eye and should not be consumed. It is to be used in adults and children above the age of two years as its safety profile in infants has not been studied. Similarly, its effects on foetuses have also not been examined and so its use during pregnancy should be discretionary. Make sure you do not touch the dropper tip to any surface or even your fingers as this could contaminate the solution and render it unusable.

What are the common dosages of Alphagan P?
The single dosage strength of Alphagan P comes with 0.15% of the active ingredient Brimonidine Tartrate and is available in 15ml solution bottles.

Difference between brand Alphagan P and Generic Brimonidine Tartrate
Brand Alphagan P is an ophthalmic solution, same as its generic versions, but these medications differ a lot in their packaging and containers in which they are supplied. As the manufacturers of both drugs are different, you will also find a difference in pricing.

About the Author

Yu Kawaguchi works in a health care firm and spends his free time reading, blogging and surfing the internet.

Can I use Systane Lubricant Drops for my life?

I am suffering from dryness in the eyes. I went and saw an eye doctor who adviced me to use Systane drops. My eyes are good now but whenever I stop using Systane, the pain and dryness return. I already finished 5 bottles of Systane in 3 months. Can I use these drops for my life?

Your doctor should have taken some time to review your past. Have you just recently noticed eye dryness? Do lasikear contacts? Have you had eye surgery (Lasik especially)? etc, etc, etc.

Well, since I don’t know these answers either, I will give you some possible solutions for some major causes of eye dryness. If you wear contacts, then you must start wearing them much less, alternate with glasses. And of course never sleep with contacts, I don’t care what anyone says. Try a new brand of contacts, a brand that allows the contact to breath. Second, if you are on any meds, check their side effects, then talk to the PCP or doctor who prescribed them, possible alternate med for same condition. If you have had surgery, then go back to the surgeon to voice your concerns.

The tear film, made up of 3 seperate layers, the lipid layer, aqueous layer, and mucous layer. Systane will only replinish the lipid layer. Well, not good enough!

The only way to battle dry eye is with Restasis. Restasis is a presription drop that is an immunosuppressant. The drop only affects the eye. The idea is that this drop will resolve gland problems of the eye, which may cause dry eye. The drop allows the eye to produce more of each layer of the tear film. You take it twice a day, need a script, and can be somewhat costly.

Your Doc should have done the Schirmer’s test (paper stuffed in your eyelids for 5 minutes), this would have given a true diagnosis. Restasis is the only drop to resolve the problem, unless you want to buy stock in Alcon (Systane Manufacturer) and drown your eyes for the rest of your life.

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