Apraclonidine Ophthalmic Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 8, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma

0.5% Solution: 1 to 2 drops instilled in the affected eye(s) 3 times per day

Comments:

• When used concomitantly with other ophthalmic drugs, an approximate 5-minute interval between instillation of each medication should be followed to prevent washout of the previous dose.
• Use of this drug may not significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) if this drug is added to a regimen already containing 2 drugs as part of the maximally tolerated medical therapy.
• Patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy who are treated to delay surgery should have frequent follow up examinations and treatment should be discontinued if the IOP rises significantly.

Use: Short-term adjunctive therapy in patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy who require additional IOP reduction

Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Increased Intraocular Pressure

1% Ophthalmic Solution: 1 drop instilled into the eye scheduled for operation 1 hour before initiating anterior segment laser surgery, AND THEN 1 drop should be instilled into the same eye immediately upon completion of the laser surgical procedure

Comment: A separate container should be used for each dose and discarded after use.

Use: Control or prevent post-surgical elevations in IOP that occur in patients after argon laser trabeculoplasty, argon laser iridotomy, or neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy

Renal Dose Adjustments

0.5% Solution:

• Renal dysfunction: Frequent cardiovascular system monitoring recommended.
• Chronic renal failure: Use with caution.

1% Ophthalmic Solution:

• Renal dysfunction: Data not available
• Chronic renal failure: Use with caution.

Liver Dose Adjustments

0.5% Solution:

• Liver dysfunction: Frequent cardiovascular system monitoring recommended.

1% Ophthalmic Solution: Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
0.5% Solution:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component, systemic clonidine, or to any of the ingredients
• Patients receiving MAO inhibitors

1% Ophthalmic Solution:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component, clonidine, or to any of the ingredients
• Patients receiving MAO inhibitor therapy

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• This drug is for topical ophthalmic use only.
• Care should be taken not to touch the eyelids, surrounding areas or other surfaces with the dropper tip of the bottle.
• Patients requiring the use of more than one ophthalmic drug should separate administration of each product by at least 5 minutes; eye ointments should be administered last.

Storage requirements:

• Protect from light.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.

General:

• The intraocular pressure lowering efficacy of this drug usually decreases over time, with benefit in most patients occurring in less than 1 month.

Monitoring:

• CARDIOVASCULAR: Blood pressure and heart rate, especially initially and in patients with renal or liver dysfunction
• OCULAR: Periodic visual field examinations in patients with glaucoma

Patient advice:

• To minimize systemic absorption, pressure should be applied to the tear duct after administration.
• Inform patients that this drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness/somnolence, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
• Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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