Apraclonidine eye solution

What is apraclonidine eye solution?

APRACLONIDINE (Iopidine®) eye solution helps to lower or prevent increased pressure in the eye due to glaucoma, eye surgery, or other conditions. Generic apraclonidine eye solution is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I use apraclonidine?

They need to know if you have, or have had, any of these conditions:

• eye abrasion, inflammation, or infection

• depression

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• Raynaud's disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to apraclonidine, clonidine or other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Apraclonidine solution is for use only in the eye(s). Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid down with the index finger to form a pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch and gently close eyes for 1—2 minutes; apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye (tear duct) during this time. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination. If more than one topical ophthalmic drug product is being used, the drugs should be administered at least 5 minutes apart. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use more often than usual.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them prior to using apraclonidine. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following application of apraclonidine to the eye.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, use only that dose. Do not double up or use extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with apraclonidine?

Do not take apraclonidine with any of the following medications:

• Do not use apraclonidine if you have taken a Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the past 14 days. This may include Parnate® (tranylcypromine), Marplan® (isocarboxazid), or Nardil® (phenelzine).

Apraclonidine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

• beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems

• cyclosporine

• heart medicines such as digoxin

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicine for mental depression

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

• muscle relaxants

• some medicines for mental problems (phenothiazines)

• some medicines for pain (narcotic analgesics such as codeine or morphine)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking apraclonidine?

Watch for drowsiness or dizziness that may interfere with hazardous activities or driving.

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before placing drops in the eye. Certain chemicals in the solution can be absorbed by contact lenses.

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using apraclonidine if your eyes become inflamed, painful or have a discharge, and see your prescriber or health care professional immediately.

Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solution.

If you are using other eye preparations, there should be an interval of at least 5 minutes between the use of apraclonidine and the other eye preparation.

Wear dark glasses if apraclonidine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking apraclonidine.

What side effects may I notice from using apraclonidine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• an allergic type reaction (rash, itching, hives)

• conjunctivitis or "pink eye"

• inflamed, swollen, painful, or infected eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision

• burning, stinging, itching of the eyes immediately after use

• change in taste

• drowsiness

• dry eyes, or the feeling of something in the eye

• dry nose or dry mouth

• headache

• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach

• sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• burning, stinging, itching, or minor discomfort of the eyes or eyelids

• stinging

• swollen eyelids

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store apraclonidine in the original bottle between 2—25 degrees C (36—77 degrees F). Protect from freezing and light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.