Apraclonidine Eye Solution

What is this medication?

APRACLONIDINE (a pra KLON i deen) prevents and treats increased pressure of the eye after an eye procedure. It works by decreasing the amount of fluid in the eye, which helps lower eye pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Iopidine

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Circulation problems in fingers or toes (Raynaud syndrome)
• Depression
• Eye abrasion, inflammation, or infection
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Wear contact lenses
• An unusual or allergic reaction to apraclonidine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use only in the eye. 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 down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch and gently close eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye (tear duct) during this time. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use you medication more often than directed. If you are using another eye product, wait at least 5 minutes between use of this medication and the other eye product.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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 may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Certain antihistamines
• Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease
• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
• Medications that help you fall asleep
• Opioids for pain or cough

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medication if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your care team as soon as you can.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before putting drops in the eye. Contact lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

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

• Change in vision
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Eye irritation or itching
• Increased tears after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store this medication in the original container between 2 and 27 degrees C (36 to 80 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.