alphagan

Frequently asked questions

What does Alphagan treat?

Alphagan (Brimonidine Tartrate) may be used to treat open-angle glaucoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.

How does Alphagan work?

Alphagan is a alpha-adrenergic agonist. Alpha-adrenergic agonists switch on alpha receptors on blood-vessel walls, much like the body's own adrenaline. This tightens the smooth muscle around the vessels, narrowing them to raise blood pressure or reduce swelling and congestion.

How is Alphagan rated?

pharmaranks gives Alphagan a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.

How much does Alphagan cost?

Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $10.38 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Iopidine — about $9.81 on the same basis.

Is there a coupon or discount for Alphagan?

pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Alphagan. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.

Who makes Alphagan?

Alphagan is marketed by Allergan. You can see Allergan's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.

Is Alphagan a brand-name or generic drug?

Alphagan is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Brimonidine Tartrate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Brimonidine Tartrate are available — ask your pharmacist.

Is Alphagan available over the counter?

No. Alphagan is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.

What forms does Alphagan come in?

Alphagan is currently marketed as drops, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.

What class of drug is Alphagan?

Alphagan is classified as alpha-adrenergic agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.

Is Alphagan FDA-registered?

Alphagan is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020613. You can verify this on its official FDA label.

Has Alphagan been recalled by the FDA?

Alphagan has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.

Is Alphagan safe?

There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Alphagan a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.