Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is brimonidine. You may hear it called by its brand name, Alphagan. These eye drops treat high pressure in the eye, which can be caused by conditions like glaucoma. This can help protect your eyesight from damage or even blindness.

Brimonidine is often used several times each day. You should use this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. If you take other eye medicines, you should wait at least 5 minutes after taking those medicines before you use brimonidine. Also, you should wait 15 minutes before wearing contact lenses. You should read the Instructions for Use for full information. If you still have questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help. It is important to keep the tip of the bottle free from germs. Don't let the tip touch anything and keep the cap on between doses.

Most people tolerate brimonidine well. Some side effects can occur. These include blurred vision and burning, itching, or redness of the eye. Some people will also have a dry mouth and feel tired or drowsy. Wait until your vision clears and you know how this medicine will affect you before performing tasks like operating machinery or driving. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, more serious side effects can occur. You should read the Patient Information Sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. You should call your doctor right away if you have a change in eyesight, eye pain, very bad eye irritation, or eyelid swelling.

Brimonidine can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines.

Women taking brimonidine should talk to their doctor before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results, use brimonidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and store your bottle at room temperature.