Apraclonidine eye solution

What is this medicine?

APRACLONIDINE (a pra KLON i deen) is used to lower pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma, eye surgery, or other conditions.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use only in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch and gently close eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye (tear duct) during this time. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use you medicine more often than directed. If you are using another eye product, wait at least 5 minutes between use of this medicine and the other eye product.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• conjunctivitis or pink eye

• inflamed, swollen, painful, or infected eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision

• burning, stinging, itching of the eyes immediately after use

• dry eyes, or the feeling of something in the eye

• dry mouth or nose

• headache

• sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• if you have taken a Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitor like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate within the past 14 days

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures

• beta blockers

• certain narcotic pain medicines like codeine or morphine

• heart medicines such as digoxin

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for mental depression

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, use only that dose. Do not double up or use extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store this medicine in the original bottle between 2 and 27 degrees C (36 to 80 degrees F). Protect from freezing and light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eye abrasion, inflammation, or infection

• depression

• heart disease or high blood pressure

• kidney or liver disease

• Raynaud's disease

• wear contact lenses

• an unusual or allergic reaction to apraclonidine, clonidine or other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects right away. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before putting drops in the eye. Contact lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes.

Wear dark glasses if this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.