Apraclonidine Ophthalmic Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 8, 2019.

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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.

Further information

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

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