Apraclonidine Ophthalmic Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 8, 2021.
Applies to the following strengths: 1%; 0.5%
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
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.
More about apraclonidine ophthalmic
- Side effects
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- During pregnancy or Breastfeeding
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- Drug class: ophthalmic glaucoma agents
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.