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Alpha Agonists for the Treatment of Glaucoma
While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be controlled.
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) may damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.
Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering the IOP to a level that is less likely to cause further
optic nerve damage. This is known as the "target pressure" or "goal pressure." The target
pressure differs from individual to individual. Your target pressure may change during your
course of treatment.
If you have glaucoma, your ophthalmologist (Eye MD) may prescribe medication to lower your
eye pressure. There are many more choices for topical treatment (eyedrops) today than there
were only a few years ago. Your ophthalmologist has chosen an alpha agonist medication to treat
your glaucoma.
How Do Alpha Agonists Work?
Alpha agonist medications are reliable for lowering the intraocular pressure. They work by
decreasing the production of the fluid that the eye continually makes, called the aqueous humor.
What Are the Alpha Agonists?
There are two alpha agonist drugs:
- Apraclonidine (lopidine®)
- Brimonidine (Alphagan®)
Possible Side Effects of Alpha Agonists:
All medications, including eyedrops, have not only benefits but may also have side effects. Some
people taking alpha agonist eyedrops may experience:
- Dry mouth
- Ocular allergy with a red eye and/or red eyelids
- Headache, fatigue, irritability or sleep disorder
- Low or high blood pressure and possible slowing of heart rate (less than with beta blockers)
- Joint aches
- Upset stomach, nausea or constipation
For glaucoma medications to work, you must take them regularly and continuously as prescribed
by your doctor.
Medication Tips
With each new medication that your ophthalmologist prescribes, make sure you understand the
following:
- The name of the medication
- How to take it
- How often to take it
- How to store it
- If you can take it with your other medications (make sure each of your doctors knows about
all the different medications you take, including non-prescription medications)
- What the possible side effects may be
- What you should do if you experience side effects
- What you should do if you miss a dose
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