Apraclonidine
Generic Iopidine
Apraclonidine (a pra KLOE ni deen) is a generic medication prescribed for lowering pressure inside the eye. Apraclonidine belongs to a group of drugs called alpha agonists.
Apraclonidine (a pra KLOE ni deen) is a generic medication prescribed for lowering pressure inside the eye. Apraclonidine belongs to a group of drugs called alpha agonists.
- Generic
- • Solution
- • 5ml of .5pct
- • 1 Bottle
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on November 15, 2023
Apraclonidine (a pra KLOE ni deen) is a generic medication prescribed for lowering pressure inside the eye. Apraclonidine belongs to a group of drugs called alpha agonists.
FAQ
Common questions about apraclonidine
Below, you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about apraclonidine.
How does apraclonidine work? And how long does it take to start working?
Apraclonidine’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to lower the amount of fluid that flows into the eye. (The name of this eye fluid is aqueous humor.) This brings down the pressure inside the eye.
Apraclonidine will start lowering pressure inside the eye in about an hour. Its greatest effect on eye pressure happens within 3 hours of using it.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can apraclonidine be used for ptosis?
Possibly. Apraclonidine isn’t approved to treat ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid). But doctors may choose to prescribe it for this purpose. It’s called an off-label use when doctors prescribe a drug to treat a condition other than its approved uses.
You can learn more about possible off-label uses of apraclonidine by talking with your doctor.
What brand names are available for apraclonidine?
Apraclonidine is a generic version of the brand-name drug, Iopidine.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less than brand-name drugs.
To find out more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for apraclonidine
Below, you’ll find information about apraclonidine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of apraclonidine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you use apraclonidine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for apraclonidine” section below.
Warnings for apraclonidine
Some people should not use apraclonidine, and others should use it cautiously.
Apraclonidine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether apraclonidine is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for apraclonidine, and be sure to tell them about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Apraclonidine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to apraclonidine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe apraclonidine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to apraclonidine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of apraclonidine
You should not use more apraclonidine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much apraclonidine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and apraclonidine
Information about apraclonidine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Apraclonidine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether apraclonidine should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Apraclonidine and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether apraclonidine should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Uses
Uses of apraclonidine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as apraclonidine for certain conditions. Approved uses for apraclonidine are described below.
Use for lowering eye pressure
Doctors may prescribe apraclonidine eye drops for treating high intraocular pressure. Increased pressure inside the eye(s) is often caused by glaucoma. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
With high intraocular pressure, the pressure inside the eye is greater than it should be. The high pressure doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does cause symptoms, they can include:
- eye pain
- headache
- vision changes
Without treatment, high pressure inside the eye can lead to or worsen glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve (the eye’s main nerve). This can cause serious vision loss or blindness that may be permanent.
Apraclonidine is prescribed as an add-on medication to other drugs that lower eye pressure. Examples include:
- oral medications, such as methazolamide and acetazolamide
- other eye drops, such as timolol (Istalol, Timoptic, others) and brimonidine (Alphagan P, Qoliana, others)
Side effects
Side effects of apraclonidine
Apraclonidine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of apraclonidine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about apraclonidine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for apraclonidine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with apraclonidine are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about apraclonidine’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for apraclonidine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Apraclonidine eye drops’ mild side effects include:
- eye discomfort
- eye itching
- eye redness
- watery eyes
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for apraclonidine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of apraclonidine are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about apraclonidine’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for apraclonidine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, apraclonidine’s serious side effects include:
- cloudiness or spots in the cornea (the clear outer layer at the front of the eye)
- dome-shaped bumps on the conjunctiva (membrane that covers the eye)
- eyelid problems, such as crusting or scaliness
- loss of tissue in the cornea
- sensitivity to light that can cause pain and discomfort
- swelling of the conjunctiva (membrane that covers the eye), rim of the eyelids, or cornea (the clear outer layer at the front of the eye)
- vision problems
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for apraclonidine” section.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about apraclonidine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How should I use apraclonidine with my other eye drops?
- What is the best technique for putting apraclonidine eye drops in my eyes?
- How long should I use apraclonidine?
Resources
Resources
- Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution, USP. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/dc7d3a9f-c0b9-411c-9c62-0a14f1718b00/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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