What is Iopidine?
Apraclonidine decreases the amount of fluid in the eyes, which reduces pressure within the eye. Iopidine is used to treat or prevent high eye pressure. Iopidine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Iopidine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your lips, face or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Iopidine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience severe itching or discomfort around or in your eye.
- If you notice crusting or drainage in your eye, this is a sign of a bacterial infection.
- Eye pain or increased tearing;
- Feeling something in your eyes?
Iopidine can cause the following side effects:
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Redness of the eyelids; or, watering and puffy eyelids
- Dizziness, drowsiness,
- Dry Mouth.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Iopidine should not be used if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue (injection), phenelzine, or rasagiline.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to Clonidine or Catapres.
Iopidine should not be used if MAO inhibitors have been taken in the last 14 days. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, rasagiline, and selegiline.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that apraclonidine will be safe for you:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Heart disease is an attack on the heart. Stroke.
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral arterial disease, such as Raynaud’s syndrome and Buerger’s disease.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Depression.
This medicine is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Apraclonidine ophthalmic does not pass into breast milk. It is unknown if this could harm a baby who is nursing. Do not breastfeed the day after you receive this medication.
How to take Iopidine?
Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration. Use iopidine only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer. Iopidine can be given in drops of 1 to 2 per affected eye three times a day. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.
Before using eye drops, wash your hands.
How to apply eye drops
- To create a pocket, tilt your head slightly back and pull down on your lower eyelid with the dropper pointing downwards. This should create an indentation. Squeeze out a few drops by looking up and away.
- Close your eyes without blinking, squinting, or moving your head. Press your finger gently on the inside corner for 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down into your tear duct.
- Only use the prescribed number of drops.
- Wait at least five minutes before applying any other eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid touching the tip or placing it directly on your eye. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious vision problems.
If the liquid is discolored or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Apraclonidine can become less effective with time. This medication should only be taken for short-term use.
Your vision may be tested to determine if this medication is helping you. Your symptoms may not change, but the vision test will allow your doctor to determine how long you should be treated with apraclonidine. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you become aware, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If your next scheduled dosage is quickly approaching, skip taking this one altogether. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Apraclonidine overdoses are not considered dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care.
What should be avoided?
Iopidine can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires you to remain alert.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened if you take this medication with other sleep-inducing medications. Before taking apraclonidine, tell your doctor if you are also taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat depression or seizures.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
- Medicine to treat mental illness
- Insulin, or oral diabetes medication;
- Blood pressure medication
- Heart rhythm medications
This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with apraclonidine, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not cover all potential interactions.
