Prescription Required
Description
Iopidine eye drops are made up of an ophthalmic glaucoma agent called apraclonidine hydrochloride. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 0.50%.
Iopidine eye drops are used along with other medications for a short-term treatment of glaucoma to assist a delay or prevention of vision loss or the need for eye surgery. Glaucoma is a serious condition where the pressure inside the eye is high. When high pressure of the eye goes untreated for too long, it can be too severe for medications to treat and may need surgical attention to treat. If it is left untreated for even longer, it can affect the optic nerves, which is what allows your brain to receive images and is the reason you are able to see things. When the optic nerves become damaged, you will go blind, a consequence that cannot be undone.
Likewise with high blood pressure in the body, high pressure in the eye is caused when there is too much fluid. Iopidine is effective in treating high pressure in the eye and preventing the risks that follow because of its power to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye causing the high pressure.
Directions
Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions.
Apply 1 or 2 drops of Iopidine into the affected eye(s) 3 times per day, as directed by your doctor.
Always ensure you are washing your hands before and after applying the eye drops.
Apply the eye drops
- Shake bottle before use
- Tilt your head back
- Look upward
- Form a pouch by pulling down on your lower eye lid
- Hold dropper above eye; apply 1 drop into the pouch
- Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 – 2 minutes
Cautions
Do not use Iopidine eye drops
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to apraclonidine or to clonidine (Catapres).
If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks (14 days) do not use Iopidine eye drops; a dangerous drug interaction may occur.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has particles in it or if the color has changed.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
You need to consult your doctor before using this medication if you are a person who has had kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, a heart attack or stroke, clogged arteries, peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome or Buerger's disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression.
Be aware
It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby; if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant; consult your doctor about the benefits and risks before using this medication.
It is not known if this medication will pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant; do not breastfeed until you have discussed the benefits and risks with your doctor.
This medication may become less effective over time which is why is should only be used as a short-term treatment.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Iopidine Eye Drops (Apraclonidine Hydrochloride) may include:
blurred vision; dry eyes; eye redness or watering, puffy eyelids; dizziness, drowsiness; or dry mouth.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Iopidine Eye Drops (Apraclonidine Hydrochloride) may include:
severe itching, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye; crusting or drainage around your eye; eye pain or increased watering; or feeling like something is in your eye.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
FAQs
What other medications will affect Iopidine eye drops?
Other medications that interact with Iopidine include medicine to treat mental illness; insulin or oral diabetes medicine; blood pressure medication; or heart rhythm medication.
Is this product safe for children?
This product may be used for children at least 12 years of age. In rare cases a doctor may allow a child under 12 to use Iopidine eye drops however the child’s caregiver would need to take extra precaution when monitoring the child.
What should I avoid while using this medication?
This medication may impair your thinking temporarily. Avoid driving or doing other activities that require your full attention until you clearly know how this drug affects you.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Do not double up on dosages. Take the miss dose as soon as you remember or skip it if your next dose is approaching soon.
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