Apraclonidine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
This medicine may also help keep the pressure in your eyes from rising after an eye surgery.
Instil Apraclonidine eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for the next few seconds. Using your index finger, gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose. This may help prevent the absorption of Apraclonidine into other parts of the body.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Apraclonidine, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine.
If you are wearing soft contact lenses, remove it before using Apraclonidine eye drops. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to instil your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe or uncontrolled heart disease as Apraclonidine may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not use Apraclonidine if you are currently taking medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Please see the section "Can I use this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- recent heart attack
- cerebrovascular disease (disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain)
- Raynaud’s disease (poor blood circulation which makes the toes and fingers numb and pale when feeling cold or stressed)
- thromboangiitis obliterans or Buerger disease (a rare disease of the small blood vessels in the hands and feet wherein the blood vessels become inflamed and swollen)
- history of sudden loss of consciousness
- depression
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly to monitor the pressure in your eyes. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Apraclonidine may cause dizziness or may cause you to suddenly fall asleep or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, abnormal distorted sense of taste, and dry eyes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- poor vision
- swelling of the eyelids
- eye redness, tearing, itching or discomfort
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Apraclonidine if you are currently taking medicine that is used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, and doxepin.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, propranolol
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light.
Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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