Iopidine (Generic)

Apraclonidine is used along with other medications to treat serious high pressure inside the eye (glaucoma) for a short time (e.g., 1 month) to help delay or prevent the need for eye surgery. Decreasing high pressure inside the eye may help to prevent decreased vision or blindness. Apraclonidine is thought to work by decreasing the amount of fluid within the eye.

This medication is given as an eye drop, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

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. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

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 (e.g., 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.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently than prescribed. When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular eye exams.

Eye discomfort/redness/burning, blurred vision, dry mouth/nose, dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, or unusual tiredness may occur. Eye itching/watering or eyelid swelling may be symptoms of an allergic reaction of the eye. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, irritability), slow/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: 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.

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 (e.g., cerebrovascular disease, Raynaud's disease), high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack), kidney disease, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression).

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 not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store between 36-80 degrees F (2-27 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, 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.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol), high blood pressure medications, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that may cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., pulse, blood pressure, eye exams) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.