Brimonidine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist sold in the U.S. under 7 brand and generic names, for open-angle glaucoma. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for Alphagan P (application NDA021770). Other brimonidine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
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 )
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.…
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.
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70/100 | Prescription | Drops | Generic | $11 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Prescription | Drops | Generic |
A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution 0.2%/0.5%*
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Apotex Corp. · Mar 5, 2026
Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution
Lack of Assurance of Sterility; atypical weight loss due to improper bottle sealing leading to potential sterility concerns
Apotex Corp. · Sep 5, 2025
Brimonidine Tartrate/Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Apotex Corp. · May 28, 2025
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
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…
| $11 |
| View → |
| 3 | 64/100 | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $11 | View → |
| 4 | 64/100 | Prescription | Solution | Generic | $11 | View → |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Drops | Generic | $11 | View → |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Drops | Generic | $11 | View → |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | Generic | $11 | View → |