apraclonidine ophthalmic

What is the most important information I should know about apraclonidine ophthalmic?

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is apraclonidine ophthalmic?

Apraclonidine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Apraclonidine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using apraclonidine ophthalmic?

Do not use apraclonidine ophthalmic if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

To make sure this apraclonidine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease, a heart attack or stroke;
• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome or Buerger's disease;
• high blood pressure;
• diabetes; or
• depression.

How should I use apraclonidine ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Apraclonidine ophthalmic is usually given as 1 to 2 drops in each affected eye, 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Apraclonidine may become less effective over time. This medicine is for short-term use only.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, your vision may need to be tested. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but vision tests will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with apraclonidine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using apraclonidine ophthalmic?

What are the possible side effects of apraclonidine ophthalmic?

• severe itching, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;
• crusting or drainage around your eye;
• eye pain or increased watering; or
• feeling like something is in your eye.

Common side effects may include:

• blurred vision;
• dry eyes;
• eye redness or watering, puffy eyelids;
• dizziness, drowsiness; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect apraclonidine ophthalmic?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• medicine to treat mental illness;
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
• blood pressure medication; or
• heart rhythm medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with apraclonidine ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about apraclonidine ophthalmic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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