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ALPHAGAN P
brimonidine tartrate · Solution/ Drops
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenergic alpha-Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 85 members |
| alpha-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 85 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021770-001 | ALPHAGAN P | SOLUTION/DROPS | BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 14 | Labeling | Approved | September 18, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 5, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 12, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 22, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 5, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | August 13, 2010 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 17, 2006 | N/A |
| Original application | 1 | Type 3 - New Dosage Form | Approved | August 19, 2005 | Standard |
Review documents
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250918). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingWarnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) 9/2025
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ALPHAGAN P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 0.1% or 0.15% is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. ALPHAGAN P is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is one drop of ALPHAGAN P in the affected eye(s) three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart. ALPHAGAN P may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. If more than one topical ophthalmic product is to be used, the different products should be instilled at least 5 minutes apart. One drop in the affected eye(s) three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart. ( 2 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Ophthalmic solution containing 0.1% (1 mg/mL) or 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) brimonidine tartrate. Ophthalmic solution containing 0.1% (1 mg/mL) or 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) brimonidine tartrate. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Neonates and infants (pediatric patients younger than 2 years old). ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions. ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old) ALPHAGAN P is contraindicated in neonates and infants (pediatric patients younger than 2 years old) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions ALPHAGAN P is contraindicated in patients who have exhibited a hypersensitivity reaction to any component of this medication in the past.
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Potentiation of vascular insufficiency. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency ALPHAGAN P may potentiate syndromes associated with vascular insufficiency. ALPHAGAN P should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, or thromboangiitis obliterans. 5.2 Severe Cardiovascular Disease Although brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution had minimal effect on the blood pressure of patients in clinical studies, caution should be exercised in treating patients with severe cardiovascular disease. 5.3 Contamination of Topical Ophthalmic Products After Use There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple-dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface. Do not touch the tip of the dispensing container to the eye or surrounding structures. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions [ see P atient C ounseling I nformation ( 17 )] .
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Severe Cardiovascular Disease [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Contamination of Topical Ophthalmic Products after Use [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Neonates and Infants (Pediatric Patients Younger than 2 Years Old) [ see Contraindications ( 4.1 ) ] Most common adverse reactions occurring in approximately 5% to 20% of patients receiving brimonidine ophthalmic solution (0.1% to 0.2%) included allergic conjunctivitis, burning sensation, conjunctival folliculosis, conjunctival hyperemia, eye pruritus, hypertension, ocular allergic reaction, oral dryness, and visual disturbance. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie at 1-800-678-1605 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 10% to 20% of the subjects receiving brimonidine ophthalmic solution (0.1% to 0.2%) included: allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and eye pruritus. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 5% to 9% included: burning sensation, conjunctival folliculosis, hypertension, ocular allergic reaction, oral dryness, and visual disturbance. Adverse reactions occurring in approximately 1% to 4% of the subjects receiving brimonidine ophthalmic solution (0.1% to 0.2%) included: abnormal taste, allergic reaction, asthenia, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, blurred vision, bronchitis, cataract, conjunctival edema, conjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctivitis, cough, dizziness, dyspepsia, dyspnea, epiphora, eye discharge, eye dryness, eye irritation, eye pain, eyelid edema, eyelid erythema, fatigue, flu syndrome, follicular conjunctivitis, foreign body sensation, gastrointestinal disorder, headache, hypercholesterolemia, hypotension, infection (primarily colds and respiratory infections), insomnia, keratitis, lid disorder, pharyngitis, photophobia, rash, rhinitis, sinus infection, sinusitis, somnolence, stinging, superficial punctate keratopathy, tearing, visual field defect, vitreous detachment, vitreous disorder, vitreous floaters, and worsened visual acuity. The following reactions were reported in less than 1% of subjects: corneal erosion, hordeolum, nasal dryness, and taste perversion. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following reactions have been identified during postapproval use of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solutions. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bradycardia, depression, hypersensitivity, iritis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, miosis, nausea, skin reactions (including erythema, eyelid pruritus, rash, and vasodilation), syncope, and tachycardia. Apnea, coma, hypotension, hypothermia, hypotonia, lethargy, pallor, respiratory depression, and somnolence have been reported in infants receiving brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solutions.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Antihypertensives/cardiac glycosides may lower blood pressure. ( 7.1 ) Use with CNS depressants may result in an additive or potentiating effect. ( 7.2 ) Tricyclic antidepressants may potentially blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine. ( 7.3 ) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may result in increased hypotension. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Antihypertensives/Cardiac Glycosides Because ALPHAGAN P may reduce blood pressure, caution in using drugs such as antihypertensives and/or cardiac glycosides with ALPHAGAN P is advised. 7.2 CNS Depressants Although specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with ALPHAGAN P, the possibility of an additive or potentiating effect with CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, or anesthetics) should be considered. 7.3 Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine. It is not known whether the concurrent use of these agents with ALPHAGAN P in humans can lead to resulting interference with the IOP lowering effect. Caution is advised in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines. 7.4 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may theoretically interfere with the metabolism of brimonidine and potentially result in an increased systemic side-effect such as hypotension. Caution is advised in patients taking MAO inhibitors which can affect the metabolism and uptake of circulating amines.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Use with caution in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. ( 8.4 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with ALPHAGAN P in pregnant women. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. In animal studies, brimonidine crossed the placenta and entered into the fetal circulation to a limited extent (see Data ) . Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, ALPHAGAN P should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Data Human Data Limited available data from postmarketing safety reports and published literature with topical use of brimonidine ophthalmic solution in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of pregnancy-related adverse outcomes including miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomaly, and events experienced by offspring while breastfeeding. Animal Data Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits administered brimonidine tartrate by daily oral gavage on gestation days 6 to 18, to target the period of organogenesis. Brimonidine caused miscarriage at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 70- or 50-times the recommended human ophthalmic dose [RHOD] based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for developmental toxicity in rabbits was 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 9- and 6-fold the RHOD based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). No treatment-related malformations were observed in rabbits. Signs of maternal sedation and fatigue were observed at all dose levels; the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for maternal toxicity was 5 mg/kg/day, based on the dose response for these signs. Embryofetal studies were conducted in pregnant rats administered brimonidine tartrate by daily oral gavage on gestation days 6 to 15, to target the period of organogenesis. The NOAEL for developmental toxicity was 2.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 1100- and 750-fold the RHOD based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). No treatment-related malformations were observed in rats. The LOAEL for maternal toxicity was 2.5 mg/kg/day, based on signs of sedation and fatigue. The maternal NOAEL was 1.0 mg/kg/day (250- and 180-fold the RHOD based on AUC, respectively for brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15%). After pregnant rats received a single oral dose of 14 C-brimonidine tartrate, brimonidine and metabolites crossed the placenta and were detectable in fetal blood and organs. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary It is not known whether brimonidine tartrate is excreted in human milk. In animal studies, brimonidine tartrate has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and is excreted into breast milk after oral administration to lactating rats ( see Data ) . Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including central nervous system depression and apnea, from ALPHAGAN P in nursing infants, ALPHAGAN P is not recommended for use during lactation. Data Animal Data After a single oral dose of 14 C-labeled brimonidine tartrate to lactating rats, brimonidine and metabolites were detected in milk. After male and female rats received a single oral dose of 14 C-brimonidine tartrate, brimonidine crossed the blood-brain barrier. Radiolabel was detected in the cerebellum, cerebrum, and spinal cord. 8.4 Pediatric Use ALPHAGAN P is contraindicated in pediatric patients younger than 2 years old [see Contraindications (4.1) ] . During postmarketing surveillance, apnea, bradycardia, coma, hypotension, hypothermia, hypotonia, lethargy, pallor, respiratory depression, and somnolence have been reported in infants receiving brimonidine. In a well-controlled clinical study conducted in pediatric glaucoma patients aged 2 to 7 …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action ALPHAGAN P is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with a peak ocular hypotensive effect occurring at two hours post-dosing. Fluorophotometric studies in animals and humans suggest that brimonidine tartrate has a dual mechanism of action by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION ALPHAGAN P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 0.1% or 0.15%, sterile, is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist for topical ophthalmic use. The structural formula of brimonidine tartrate is: 5-Bromo-6-(2-imidazolidinylideneamino) quinoxaline L-tartrate; MW= 442.24 In solution, ALPHAGAN P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) has a clear, greenish-yellow color. It has an osmolality of 250-350 mOsmol/kg and a pH of 7.4-8.0 (0.1%) or 6.9-7.4 (0.15%). Brimonidine tartrate appears as an off-white to pale-yellow powder and is soluble in both water (0.6 mg/mL) and in the product vehicle (1.4 mg/mL) at pH 7.7. Each mL of ALPHAGAN P contains the active ingredient brimonidine tartrate 0.1% (1 mg/mL) or 0.15% (1.5 mg/mL) with the inactive ingredients sodium carboxymethylcellulose; sodium borate; boric acid; sodium chloride; potassium chloride; calcium chloride; magnesium chloride; PURITE ® 0.005% (0.05 mg/mL) as a preservative; purified water; and hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. The structural formula of brimonidine tartrate is brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 0.1% or 0.15%, sterile, is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (topical intraocular pressure lowering agent).
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Limited information exists on accidental ingestion of brimonidine in adults; the only adverse reaction reported to date has been hypotension. Symptoms of brimonidine overdose have been reported in neonates, infants, and children receiving ALPHAGAN P as part of medical treatment of congenital glaucoma or by accidental oral ingestion [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . Treatment of an oral overdose includes supportive and symptomatic therapy; a patent airway should be maintained.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING ALPHAGAN P is supplied sterile, in teal opaque plastic LDPE bottles and tips, with purple high impact polystyrene (HIPS) caps as follows: 0.1% 5 mL in 10 mL bottle NDC 0023-9321-05 10 mL in 10 mL bottle NDC 0023-9321-10 15 mL in 15 mL bottle NDC 0023-9321-15 0.15% 5 mL in 10 mL bottle NDC 0023-9177-05 10 mL in 10 mL bottle NDC 0023-9177-10 15 mL in 15 mL bottle NDC 0023-9177-15 Storage: Store at 15 o C to 25 o C (59 o F to 77 o F).
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BRIMONIDINE TARTRATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0023-9177-05 | 0023-9177 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9177-05) / 5 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | July 10, 2001 |
| 0023-9177-10 | 0023-9177 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9177-10) / 10 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | July 10, 2001 |
| 0023-9177-15 | 0023-9177 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9177-15) / 15 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | July 10, 2001 |
| 0023-9321-03 | 0023-9321 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9321-03) / 3 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | January 25, 2006 |
| 0023-9321-05 | 0023-9321 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9321-05) / 5 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | January 25, 2006 |
| 0023-9321-10 | 0023-9321 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9321-10) / 10 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | January 25, 2006 |
| 0023-9321-15 | 0023-9321 | Allergan, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER in 1 CARTON (0023-9321-15) / 15 mL in 1 BOTTLE, DROPPER | January 25, 2006 |
| 0023-9177 | 0023-9177 | Allergan, Inc. | — | July 10, 2001 |
| 0023-9321 | 0023-9321 | Allergan, Inc. | — | January 25, 2006 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.