Apraclonidine
Generic Name: apraclonidine
Brand Names:
Apraclonidine
DESCRIPTION Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% contains apraclonidine hydrochloride, an alpha adrenergic agonist, in a sterile isotonic solution for topical application to the eye. Apraclonidine hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder and is highly soluble in water. Its chemical name is 2-[(4-amino-2,6 dichlorophenyl) imino]imidazolidine monohydrochloride with an empirical formula of C 9 H 11 Cl 3 N 4 and a molecular weight of 281.57 g/mol.
Overview
DESCRIPTION Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% contains apraclonidine hydrochloride, an alpha adrenergic agonist, in a sterile isotonic solution for topical application to the eye. Apraclonidine hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder and is highly soluble in water. Its chemical name is 2-[(4-amino-2,6 dichlorophenyl) imino]imidazolidine monohydrochloride with an empirical formula of C 9 H 11 Cl 3 N 4 and a molecular weight of 281.57 g/mol.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% is indicated for short-term adjunctive therapy, in patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy, who require additional IOP reduction. Patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy, who are treated with apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% to delay surgery, should have frequent follow-up examinations and treatment should be discontinued if the IOP rises significantly. The addition of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% to patients already using two aqueous suppressing drugs (i.e., beta-blocker plus carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) as part of their maximally tolerated medical therapy may not provide additional benefit.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One to two drops of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% should be instilled in the affected eye(s) three times daily. Since apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% will be used with other ocular glaucoma therapies, an approximate 5 minute interval between instillation of each medication should be practiced to prevent washout of the previous dose. NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. NOT FOR ORAL INGESTION.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS In clinical studies the overall discontinuation rate related to apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% was 15%. The most commonly reported events leading to discontinuation included (in decreasing order of frequency) hyperemia, pruritus, tearing, discomfort, lid edema, dry mouth, and foreign body sensation. The following adverse reactions (incidences) were reported in clinical studies of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% as being possibly, probably, or definitely related to therapy: Ocular The following adverse reactions were reported in 5% to 15% of the patients: discomfort, hyperemia, and pruritus.
Interactions
Drug Interactions Apraclonidine should not be used in patients receiving MAO inhibitors (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Although no specific drug interactions with topical glaucoma drugs or systemic medications were identified in clinical studies of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5%, the possibility of an additive or potentiating effect with CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, anesthetics) should be considered. Tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to blunt the hypotensive effect of systemic clonidine. It is not known whether the concurrent use of these agents with apraclonidine can lead to a reduction in IOP lowering effect. No data on the level of circulating catecholamines after apraclonidine withdrawal are available.
Warnings
WARNINGS Not for injection or oral ingestion. FOR EYE USE ONLY. CONTRAINDICATIONS Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to apraclonidine or any other component of this medication, as well as systemic clonidine. It is also contraindicated in patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Apraclonidine HCl has been shown to have an embryocidal effect in rabbits when given in an oral dose of 3.0 mg/kg (60 times the maximum recommended human dose). Dose related maternal toxicity was observed in pregnant rats at 0.3 mg/kg (6 times the maximum recommended human dose). There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% as base in a sterile, isotonic, aqueous solution containing apraclonidine hydrochloride. Supplied in plastic ophthalmic dispenser as follows: 5 mL NDC 61314-665-05 10 mL NDC 61314-665-10 Storage: Store between 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Protect from freezing and light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apraclonidine used for?▼
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% is indicated for short-term adjunctive therapy, in patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy, who require additional IOP reduction. Patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy, who are treated with apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% to delay surgery, should have frequent follow-up examinations and treatment should be discontinued if the IOP rises significantly. The addition of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% to patients already using two aqueous suppressing drugs (i.e., beta-blocker plus carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) as part of their maximally tolerated medical therapy may not provide additional benefit.
What are the side effects of Apraclonidine?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS In clinical studies the overall discontinuation rate related to apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% was 15%. The most commonly reported events leading to discontinuation included (in decreasing order of frequency) hyperemia, pruritus, tearing, discomfort, lid edema, dry mouth, and foreign body sensation. The following adverse reactions (incidences) were reported in clinical studies of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% as being possibly, probably, or definitely related to therapy: Ocular The following adverse reactions were reported in 5% to 15% of the patients: discomfort, hyperemia, and pruritus.
Can I take Apraclonidine during pregnancy?▼
Pregnancy Apraclonidine HCl has been shown to have an embryocidal effect in rabbits when given in an oral dose of 3.0 mg/kg (60 times the maximum recommended human dose). Dose related maternal toxicity was observed in pregnant rats at 0.3 mg/kg (6 times the maximum recommended human dose). There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
What are the important warnings for Apraclonidine?▼
WARNINGS Not for injection or oral ingestion. FOR EYE USE ONLY. CONTRAINDICATIONS Apraclonidine ophthalmic solution 0.5% is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to apraclonidine or any other component of this medication, as well as systemic clonidine. It is also contraindicated in patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.