Apraclonidine
Apraclonidine is an ophthalmic alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in conditions such as open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is available as eye drops and is used for long-term pressure management as well as short-term control of pressure spikes following laser eye procedures.
Apraclonidine is an eye pressure-lowering medication used to treat glaucoma and control intraocular pressure after eye surgery.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01EA03
- RxNorm
- 14845
- Generic
- Apraclonidine
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Iopidine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use close to delivery due to potential effects on newborn
neonatal monitoring after birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
consider temporarily discontinuing breastfeeding or using alternative therapy
monitor infant for drowsiness and lethargy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest effective dose
monitor for systemic absorption and cardiovascular effects
regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
avoid use in pediatric patients due to limited safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment typically required
use with caution due to minimal systemic absorption from ophthalmic formulation
monitor for systemic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment typically required
use with caution due to limited systemic absorption from ophthalmic formulation
monitor for systemic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for ocular use
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Apraclonidine treats elevated intraocular pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is also used to control acute intraocular pressure elevations following laser eye surgeries, such as LASIK, photocoagulation, or iridotomy.
As a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, apraclonidine reduces aqueous humor production in the ciliary body of the eye, which decreases intraocular pressure. It may also slightly increase uveoscleral outflow of fluid.
Common side effects include eye redness, burning, itching, dryness, and drowsiness. It should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, depression, or those taking MAO inhibitors. Not recommended for use in children due to reported CNS effects. May lose effectiveness over time (tachyphylaxis) with chronic use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy