Apraclonidine (Into the eye)
a-pra-KLON-i-deen
Treats or prevents fluid buildup inside the eye (intraocular pressure) before and after laser eye surgery to treat glaucoma or cataracts.
Drug classes
Antiglaucoma (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Apraclonidine 0.5% is used to treat glaucoma when the medications you have been using for glaucoma do not reduce your eye pressure enough.
Apraclonidine 1% is used just before and after certain types of eye surgery (argon laser trabeculoplasty, argon laser iridotomy, and Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy). The medicine is used to control or prevent a rise in pressure within the eye (ocular hypertension) that can occur after this type of surgery.
Apraclonidine 0.5% is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Solution
You will receive this medicine as an eyedrop 1 hour before, and just after your eye surgery.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to apraclonidine or clonidine, or if you used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision
Eye redness, burning, itching, or discomfort
Feeling very cold or sleepy, with shallow breathing
Lightheadedness or fainting
Slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry mouth, unusual taste in your mouth
Feeling like there is something in your eye
Redness, swelling, or whitening of your eyelids
Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating of your palms
Trouble sleeping, unusual dreams
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Iopidine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.