Hi all..
I have been using pilocarpine .5% since my surgery 3 months ago, to contrict my pupil size so I can function. Yesterday my doc had me try alphagan. About two hours after the drops, my eyes began to feel hard and dry, and I found I had to keep blinking and blinking for relief. I do not have dry eye problems but had a dry sensation with this medicine. Even worse, my eyesight deteriorated and I could not resolve type with or without either of my two pairs of glasses. It bothered me all night, and I was unable to see well enough to drive to work until 10AM, about 10 hrs after using the drops. Can anyone tell me why I had such discomfort and especially why I lost all corrected vision?? I was terrified.
Thanks in advance..
Mal

The manufacturer, Allergan http://www.allergan.com, indicates that Alphagan P was approved by the FDA back on March 19, 2001. See:
http://www.allergan.com/corpinfo/js_ind.htm

Information (paraphrased):
Two twelve-month clinical studies have shown that ALPHAGANÒ P is comparable in efficacy to AlphaganÒ with lower rates of certain adverse events. ALPHAGANÒ P is expected to be available within the next six months (written March 19, 2001).

I can't find it right now but I believe I have read that they eliminated a preservative in Alphagan that didn't agree with about 15-20% of users.

Yes, I have noted significantly better tolerance with Alphagan P than the regular form. There is often less redness and irritation, but often some persists after stopping. It also has a lower, but effective (for IOP lowering), dose of the medicine. I don't use either medicine for pupil constriction post LASIK, and I'm not sure how much additional effect to expect with the alpha2 blocker effect of the medicine. Anybody have experience with it?

As an aside, does anybody use the Ocusert formulation of pilocarpine to reduce browache and accomodative spasm/blurring in young myopes? Is it readily available? I heard that since the development of so many excellent new POAG drops, that formulation of Pilo is difficult to obtain.

Drew Jusko, MD

I'm using ALPHAGAN P for pupil constriction and I simply love it. The side effects (for me) are virtually zero. I've been using it about two or three times per week -- usually when I expect to be driving for prolonged periods in the dark.