Banner image

Apraclonidine (Into the eye)

Find

Learn More

Brand Name(s)

Iopidine

There may be other brand names for 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.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI).

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Drop

  • You will receive this medicine as an eyedrop 1 hour before and right after your eye surgery.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

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

Introduction

Apraclonidine (a-pra-KLON-i-deen)

Treats or prevents increased pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma or cataract surgery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
  • Eye redness, burning, itching, or discomfort
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Feeling like there is something in your eye
  • Redness, swelling, or whitening of your eyelids

Warnings While Using This Medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel disease (including Raynaud disease, thromboangiitis obliterans), or a history of heart attack or stroke.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to apraclonidine or clonidine.

Review Date: 7/4/2018
Reviewed By:

ADAM QualityA.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 9-1-1 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only—they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.