Iopidine (apraclonidine)

Apraclonidine is used as eye drops so that it may act directly where it is needed and decrease the likelihood of side effects elsewhere in the body.

What is it used for?
Raised pressure in the eye (ocular hypertension)

How does it work?
Apraclonidine acts on receptors (adrenoceptors) in the walls of blood vessels in the eye. This causes the blood vessels to narrow which restricts the flow of blood through the vessels. Reduced blood flow leads to a decrease in the production of the watery fluid (aqueous humour) that fills the back of the eye. This causes a decrease in the pressure created within the eye by the fluid. Decreasing the pressure within the eye is important in the treatment of conditions such as glaucoma and prior to or after laser surgery on the eye. Apraclonidine is used as eye drops so that it may act directly where it is needed and decrease the likelihood of side effects elsewhere in the body.

Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Headache Dry mouth Alteration in taste Itchiness of the eye Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia) Eyelids held in an open position Dry nose Watering eyes (lacrimation) Dilated pupils Red eye due to excess blood supply (hyperaemia) The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. How can this medicine affect other medicines? No reported significant interactions.

Warning! This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance. It is recommended that you receive regular eye examinations while you taking this medicine, as it can sometimes cause eye problems. Consult your doctor if you experience any disturbances in your vision while taking this medicine. You should not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. This it because the medicine contains a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. Use with caution in Chronic kidney failure Depression Disease of the blood vessels in and around the brain (cerebrovascular disease) Heart failure History of angina Increased nerve activity resulting in slowing of the heart rate and a fall in blood pressure leading to fainting (vasovagal attack) Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands, causing numb and painful fingers (Raynaud's disease) Severely decreased blood supply to the heart (severe coronary insufficiency) Not to be used in Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient Severe/unstable cardiovascular disease This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine. There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.