Apraclonidine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution

Brand Names: Iopidine 1%

Drug Class: General Prescription

Overview

DESCRIPTION IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution 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...

Mechanism of Action

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Apraclonidine is a relatively selective, alpha adrenergic agonist and does not have significant membrane stabilizing (local anesthetic) activity. When instilled into the eye, IOPIDINE 1% (apraclonidine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) has the action of reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Ophthalmic apraclonidine has minimal effect on cardiovascular parameters. Optic nerve head damage and visual field loss may result from an acute elevation in IOP that can occur after argon or Nd:YAG laser surgical procedures. Elevated IOP, whether acute or chronic in duration, is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of visual field loss.

Indications

  • INDICATIONS AND USAGE IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution is indicated to control or prevent post-surgical elevations in IOP that occur in patients after argon laser trabeculoplasty, argon laser iridotomy or Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy.

Common Doses

  • Refer to label

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One drop of IOPIDINE* 1% Ophthalmic Solution should be instilled in the scheduled operative eye one hour before initiating anterior segment laser surgery and a second drop should be instilled to the same eye immediately upon completion of the laser surgical procedure. Use a separate container for each single‑drop dose and discard each container after use.

Contraindications

  • CONTRAINDICATIONS IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution is contraindicated for patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy and for patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this medication or to clonidine.

Side Effects

  • ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse events, occurring in less than 2% of patients, were reported in association with the use of IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution in laser surgery: ocular injection, upper lid elevation, irregular heart rate, nasal decongestion, ocular inflammation, conjunctival blanching, and mydriasis. The following adverse events were observed in investigational studies dosing IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution once or twice daily for up to 28 days in non‑laser studies: Ocular Conjunctival blanching, upper lid elevation, mydriasis, burning, discomfort, foreign body sensation,...

Interactions

  • DRUG INTERACTIONS Interactions with other agents have not been investigated.