Angeles Vision Clinic
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Iopidine 0.5%
(Apraclonidine)
Apraclonidine from Alcon is derived from a systemic hypertension medication. I has minimal effect on systemic blood pressure because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It effectively reduces IOP and in fact was originally approved to reduce eye pressure spikes following laser eye surgery procedures. Recently is was introduced as a chronic care glaucoma drug to be used when other topical ophthalmic preparations have failed. It has been approved for 3 times a day dosing but studies have shown that twice a day to be virtually as effective.
This drug lowers eye pressure bye reducing aqueous production, although its mechanism of action is not fully understood. For patients who respond to apraclonidine, it can work very well. But a significant number of patients, about 20 to 30% will develop an allergic type reaction to this drug. If there is no allergic response after 3 to 4 months, chances are very good that allergies won't develop.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
The effects of Iopidine during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Iopidine makes it way into breast milk. If you are nursing and need to use Iopidine, your eye care doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while using the medication.
