Formulary
Apraclonidine: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Apraclonidine is an alpha 2 -adrenoceptor agonist that lowers intra-ocular pressure by reducing aqueous humour formation.
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Apraclonidine: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Apraclonidine is an alpha 2 -adrenoceptor agonist that lowers intra-ocular pressure by reducing aqueous humour formation.
Drug action
Apraclonidine is an alpha 2 -adrenoceptor agonist that lowers intra-ocular pressure by reducing aqueous humour formation. It is a derivative of clonidine.
Indications and dose
**Control or prevention of postoperative elevation of intra-ocular pressure after anterior segment laser surgery**
- **Adult** (To The Eye): Apply 1 drop, 1 hour before laser procedure, then 1 drop, immediately after completion of procedure, 1% eye drops to be administered.
**Short-term adjunctive treatment of chronic glaucoma in patients not adequately controlled by another drug**
- **Adult** (To The Eye): Apply 1 drop 3 times a day usually for maximum 1 month, 0.5% eye drops to be administered, may not provide additional benefit if patient already using two drugs that suppress the production of aqueous humour.
**Control or prevention of postoperative elevation of intra-ocular pressure after anterior segment laser surgery for apraclonidine**
- **Child** (To the eye): Apply 1 drop, 1 hour before laser procedure, then 1 drop, immediately after completion of procedure, 1% eye drops to be administered.
**Short-term adjunctive treatment of chronic glaucoma in patients not adequately controlled by another drug for apraclonidine**
- **Child 12-17 years** (To the eye): Apply 1 drop 3 times a day usually for maximum 1 month, 0.5% eye drops to be administered, may not provide additional benefit if patient already using two drugs that suppress the production of aqueous humour.
Cautions
Cerebrovascular disease; depression; heart failure; history of angina; hypertension; loss of effect may occur over time; Parkinson's syndrome; Raynaud's syndrome; recent myocardial infarction; reduction in vision in end-stage glaucoma (suspend treatment); severe coronary insufficiency; thromboangiitis obliterans; vasovagal attack
Contraindications
History of severe or unstable and uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
Side effects
Common or very common Eye disorders Uncommon Bradycardia; conjunctival haemorrhage; diarrhoea; dry eye; eye discomfort; eye inflammation; gastrointestinal discomfort; irritability; libido decreased; nasal dryness; palpitations; postural hypotension; sensation abnormal; sleep disorders; syncope; vision disorders; vomiting Rare or very rare Chest pain; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; hyperhidrosis; pain in extremity; pruritus; taste altered; temperature sensation altered Side-effects, further information Since absorption may follow topical application, systemic effects may occur- see clonidine hydrochloride . Ocular intolerance Manufacturer advises withdrawal if eye pruritus, ocular hyperaemia, increased lacrimation, or oedema of the eyelids and conjunctiva occur.
Interactions
**Other interactions (2):**
- Avoid the concomitant use of mianserin with apraclonidine, brimonidine, sibutramine, or artemether with lumefantrine.
- Alpha 2 -adrenoceptor stimulants: concomitant use of apraclonidine or brimonidine should be avoided.
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises avoid-no information available.
Breast feeding
Manufacturer advises avoid-no information available.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises use with caution and monitor, including close monitoring of cardiovascular parameters-no information available.
Renal impairment
Use with caution in chronic renal failure. M
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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