Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 0.5%
- 1%
Inhibition of Perioperative Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Increase
1 gtt of a 1% solution onto the eye undergoing surgery 1 hour before surgery & repeated immediately upon completion of surgery
Glaucoma
1-2 gtt of a 0.5% solution in the affected eye(s) q8hr
Safety & efficacy not established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (7)
- isocarboxazid
apraclonidine, isocarboxazid. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr. prescribing info.
isocarboxazid, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr prescribing info. - linezolid
apraclonidine, linezolid. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr. prescribing info.
linezolid, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr prescribing info. - phenelzine
apraclonidine, phenelzine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr. prescribing info.
phenelzine, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr prescribing info. - rasagiline
rasagiline, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Apraclonidine should not be used in patients receiving MAO inhibitors.
- selegiline
selegiline, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Risk of selegiline-induced hypertension may be increased. Coadministration is contraindicated. Do not coadminister within 14 days of each other.
- selegiline transdermal
selegiline transdermal, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr prescribing info.
- tranylcypromine
apraclonidine, tranylcypromine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr. prescribing info.
tranylcypromine, apraclonidine. Mechanism: unknown. Contraindicated. Contraindicated in mfr prescribing info.
Serious - Use Alternative (1)
- abametapir
abametapir will increase the level or effect of apraclonidine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. For 2 weeks after abametapir application, avoid taking drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates. If not feasible, avoid use of abametapir.
Monitor Closely (0)
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
Varies with strength & application
Ocular adverse effects:
Frequency Not Defined
Discomfort
Hyperemia
Pruritus
Blanching
Blurred vision
Conjunctivitis
Discharge
Dry eyeForeign body sensationLid edema
Tearing
Abnormal vision
Blepharitis, blepharo
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctival
Edema, conjunctival follicles
Corneal erosion
Corneal infiltrate
Corneal staining
EdemaIrritation
Keratitis
Keratopathy
Lid disorder
Lid erythema
Lid margin crusting
Lid retraction
Lid scales
Pain
Photophobia
Nonocular adverse effects:
Frequency Not Defined
Dry mouth
Arrhythmia
Facial edema
Abnormal coordination
Asthenia
Depression
Dizziness
Headache
Insomnia
Malaise
Nervousness
Paresthesia
Parosmia
Peripheral edema
Somnolence
Contact dermatitis,
Dry nose
Constipation
Nausea
Taste perversion
Myalgia
Asthma
Chest pain
Dyspnea
Pharyngitis
Rhinitis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to apraclonidine, clonidine, or components
Within 14 days of MAO inhibitors administration
Cautions
Caution in active cardiac disease, including HTN, coronary insufficiency, recent MI, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure, Raynaud's disease, thromboangiitis obliterans, history of vasovagal attacks
Discontinue if ocular allergic-type reactions develop
Monitor closely if excessive IOP reduction
May impair mental alertness & ability to perform hazardous activities
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: It is not known if Iopidine is excreted in milk. Decision should be made to discontinue nursing temporarily for the one day on which Iopidine is used.
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Alpha-1 & alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; may reduce acqueous humor formation
Pharmacokinetics
Peak Plasma Time: 3-5 hr (reduction in intraocular pressure)
Peak Plasma Concentration (0.5% admin): 0.9 ng/mL
Half-Life (0.5% admin): 8 hr
Onset: 1 hr
Abslorption: Systemically absorbed
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
apraclonidine ophthalmic (eye) - | 0.5 % drops | ![]() | |
apraclonidine ophthalmic (eye) - | 0.5 % drops | ![]() | |
apraclonidine ophthalmic (eye) - | 0.5 % drops | ![]() | |
apraclonidine ophthalmic (eye) - | 0.5 % drops | ![]() | |
Iopidine ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % liquid | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
apraclonidine ophthalmic (eye)
APRACLONIDINE SOLUTION 1% - OPHTHALMIC
(A-pra-KLOE-ni-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Iopidine
USES: This medication is used to treat or prevent high pressure inside the eye that may occur during and after laser eye surgery. Decreasing high pressure inside the eye may help to prevent decreased vision or blindness in the eye treated by laser surgery. Apraclonidine is thought to work by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given as an eye drop, usually by a health care professional. It should not be taken by mouth or injected into the eye. For laser eye surgery, it is usually given 1 hour before laser treatment and repeated at the end of treatment.To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Release the eyelid and gently close your eyes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.Remove extra solution around the eye with a tissue and wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before using the other medication. Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
SIDE EFFECTS: Eye discomfort/redness/burning, blurred vision, upset stomach, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. Eye itching/watering or eyelid swelling may be symptoms of an allergic reaction of the eye. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, mental/mood changes (such as depression), slow/irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using apraclonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to clonidine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel disease (such as cerebrovascular disease, Raynaud's disease), high blood pressure, heart problems (such as recent heart attack), kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), fainting after emotional stress (vasovagal attack).After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. This drug may also rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine).Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that may cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow heartbeat, drowsiness, cold/clammy skin.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as pulse, blood pressure, eye exams) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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