Brimonidine Tartrate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 25, 2024

Common Questions


Common Questions about Brimonidine (Alphagan P)


How quickly does brimonidine start working?

Brimonidine starts working within an hour, and its peak effect occurs about 2 hours after a dose. For best results, you need to use this medicine 3 times a day with the doses 8 hours apart.



Is brimonidine a beta blocker?

No, brimonidine is a selective alpha 2 adrenergic agonist. It works in a different way than beta blockers. A combination of brimonidine and a beta-blocker (timolol) is available (trade name Combigan) and is used to treat elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma.



Does brimonidine make eyelashes grow?

Brimonidine is not known to make eyelashes grow. Another similar-sounding glaucoma medication called bimatoprost (Lumigan) can cause eyelash growth as a side effect. Bimatoprost is sold as Latisse to thicken, lengthen, and darken eyebrows.



Can you buy brimonidine over the counter?

Brimonidine (Alphagan P) is a prescription medication and is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. However, a medication called Lumify, which also contains brimonidine tartrate as the active ingredient, is available over the counter to relieve redness of the eyes.



Can you use brimonidine long-term?

If brimonidine ophthalmic is successful in lowering IOP (intraocular pressure), your doctor may prescribe it long-term.



What is the price of brimonidine without insurance?

Without insurance, brimonidine can be as high as $24.74, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $11.24 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of brimonidine with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on brimonidine—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for brimonidine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.