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Alphagan P Warnings and Precautions
It is important to know that Alphagan P can potentially worsen some conditions, such as depression, low blood pressure, and heart disease, to name a few. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about any other medications you are using before using Alphagan P. Warnings and precautions with this medicine also apply to people who have certain allergies.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Alphagan P?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Alphagan® P (brimonidine tartrate) if you have:- Depression
- Heart disease
- Raynaud's disease
- Had a stroke
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Thromboangiitis obliterans
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Warnings and Precautions With Alphagan P
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to using Alphagan P include the following:- Alphagan P should be used with caution in people with depression, heart disease, Raynaud's disease, a history of a stroke, low blood pressure, or thromboangiitis obliterans, as there is a small chance that Alphagan P could worsen these conditions. However, many people with such conditions can safely use Alphagan P with no problems whatsoever.
- Alphagan P has not been adequately studied in people with liver or kidney problems.
- Alphagan P can potentially interact with some other medications (see Alphagan P Drug Interactions).
- Alphagan P can sometimes cause drowsiness. Make sure to see how the medication affects you before driving or operating heavy machinery.
- If you use other eye drops, be sure to separate your dose of Alphagan P and that of the other drops by at least five minutes.
- Alphagan P is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Alphagan P and Pregnancy).
- It is unknown if Alphagan P passes through breast milk in humans. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to using the drug (see Alphagan P and Breastfeeding).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD