There has been a new step in science leading towards evolution. Alphagan P has been recognized as the next leading drug in the treatment of glaucoma. It is gentle on the ocular surface, unlike other drugs that can damage it. Alphagan P provides IOP reduction comparable to beta-blocker, but without the adverse effects caused by most other drugs. It is an alpha-2 agonist, which is a class of drugs that bind to and stimulate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, causing responses comparable to those of adrenaline and norepinephrine. Alphagan was first introduced in 1996. The latest generation of "adrenergic agonist" is thirty times more selective for alpha 2 receptors than apraclonidine. Due to its selectivity, it does not include alpha 1 side effects that affect the heart and blood pressure. The most significant side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth and fatigue. There is also superficial irritation, with approximately 7-15% of patients suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. Alphagan has remained popular since its first release despite its side effects. What should you know about Alphagan P before using it? Be sure not to use brimonidine ophthalmic (Alphagan P) if you have previously used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). 2 weeks. Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, circulation problems such as Raynaud's or Buerger's disease, high blood pressure, have a history of fainting, or low blood pressure. Be sure not to use the drug if you use contact lenses because the drug contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If… halfway through the paper… carry on their education. Studies are currently underway to further investigate this event. Although Alphagan P has a list of reported adverse reactions, it is still the most widely used drug to treat glaucoma patients. Many clinical studies have been conducted on the drug since it was launched on the market in 1996, and further improvements have been made since then. Works Cited Osborne, S., Montgomery, D., Morris, D., & McKay, I. (2005). Allergy to Alphagan may increase the propensity for multiple eye drop allergies. Eye, 19(2), 129-137. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701441Bowman, R. C., Cope, J. J., & Nischal, K. K. (2004). Ocular and systemic side effects of brimonidine 0.2% (Alphagan®) eye drops in children. Eye, 18(1), 24-26. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6700520ALPHAGAN P: THE NEXT STEP IN THE EVOLUTION OF GLAUCOMA THERAPY. (2003). Ophthalmology review, 10(9), 8.