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Overview: Apraclonidine is an eye drop used to lower pressure inside the eye. The most common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, and dry mouth. Before using apraclonidine, tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions and any medicines you use or have recently taken. Talk with your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Uses

What is apraclonidine used for?

Apraclonidine is commonly used for lowering pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). It is also used to control or prevent increased eye pressure after certain eye surgeries for glaucoma or cataracts.

Apraclonidine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does apraclonidine work (mechanism of action)?

High pressure inside the eye can lead to nerve damage and vision loss. Apraclonidine works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps to lower eye pressure.

How is apraclonidine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Iopidine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
  • 1% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store apraclonidine?

Apraclonidine should be stored at temperatures between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place that is protected from light. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of apraclonidine?

The most common side effects of apraclonidine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Eye redness, discomfort, itching, or watering
  • Swollen eyelid
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Changes in heart rate

There may be other side effects of apraclonidine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of apraclonidine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of apraclonidine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Apraclonidine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using apraclonidine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use apraclonidine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use apraclonidine.

  • Apraclonidine 
  • Iopidine
  • Clonidine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific apraclonidine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Apraclonidine should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using apraclonidine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about apraclonidine before using it?

Do not use apraclonidine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share apraclonidine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep apraclonidine out of the reach of children.

Apraclonidine is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least five minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. 

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, or changes in vision while using apraclonidine. 

If you usually wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider when it is okay to wear them.

You may have dizziness or sleepiness after using apraclonidine. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness until you know how apraclonidine affects you. If apraclonidine is given to you after eye surgery, ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to drive.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using apraclonidine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if apraclonidine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Blood Flow Problems. Apraclonidine may worsen the symptoms of certain blood flow problems (vascular insufficiency). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following conditions. They can help decide if apraclonidine is safe for you.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Severe cardiovascular disease
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Eye problems affecting the clear layer that covers the front of your eye (cornea) or eye surface
  • Fainting

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how apraclonidine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use apraclonidine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if apraclonidine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use apraclonidine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does apraclonidine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between apraclonidine and foods.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect apraclonidine. The risk of dizziness or sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using apraclonidine.

Does apraclonidine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using apraclonidine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
  • A beta-blocker eye drop, such as timolol ophthalmic (Betimol, Timoptic, and others), which is a medicine that lowers pressure inside the eye 
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Clonidine (Catapres-TTS and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with apraclonidine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much apraclonidine?

If you or someone else has used too much apraclonidine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of apraclonidine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.