Apraclonidine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Iopidine 1%

Brand Names
Iopidine 1%
Route
OPHTHALMIC
Dosage Form
SOLUTION/ DROPS
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution contains apraclonidine hydrochloride, an alpha adrenergic agonist, in a sterile isotonic solution for topical application to the eye. Apraclonidine hydrochloride is a white to off‑white powder and is highly soluble in water. Its chemical name is 2-[(4‑amino-2,6 dichlorophenyl)imino] imidazolidine monohydrochloride with an empirical formula of C 9 H 11 Cl 3 N 4 and a molecular weight of 281.6. The chemical structure of apraclonidine hydrochloride is: Each mL of IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution contains: Actives : apraclonidine hydrochloride 11.5 mg equivalent to apraclonidine base 10 mg. Inactives: sodium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (pH 4.4‑7.8), purified water and benzalkonium chloride 0.01% (preservative). Osmolality is 260‑320 mOsm. Picture1

What Is Apraclonidine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution Used For?

IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution is indicated to control or prevent post-surgical elevations in IOP that occur in patients after argon laser trabeculoplasty, argon laser iridotomy or Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy.

Dosage and Administration

One drop of IOPIDINE* 1% Ophthalmic Solution should be instilled in the scheduled operative eye one hour before initiating anterior segment laser surgery and a second drop should be instilled to the same eye immediately upon completion of the laser surgical procedure. Use a separate container for each single‑drop dose and discard each container after use.

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

The following adverse events, occurring in less than 2% of patients, were reported in association with the use of IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution in laser surgery: ocular injection, upper lid elevation, irregular heart rate, nasal decongestion, ocular inflammation, conjunctival blanching, and mydriasis. The following adverse events were observed in investigational studies dosing IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution once or twice daily for up to 28 days in non‑laser studies: Ocular Conjunctival blanching, upper lid elevation, mydriasis, burning, discomfort, foreign body sensation, dryness, itching, hypotony, blurred or dimmed vision, allergic response, conjunctival microhemorrhage. Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, emesis Cardiovascular Bradycardia, vasovagal attack, palpitations, orthostatic episode Central Nervous System Insomnia, dream disturbances, irritability, decreased libido. Other Taste abnormalities, dry mouth, nasal burning or dryness, headache, head cold sensation, chest heaviness or burning, clammy or sweaty palms, body heat sensation, shortness of breath, increased pharyngeal secretion, extremity pain or numbness, fatigue, paresthesia, pruritus not associated with rash. Clinical Practice The following events have been identified during postmarketing use of IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution in clinical practice. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. The events, which have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, possible causal connection to IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution, or a combination of these factors, include hypersensitivity.

Warnings and Precautions

FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE ONLY. Not for injection or oral ingestion.

Drug Interactions

Interactions with other agents have not been investigated.

Contraindications

IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution is contraindicated for patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy and for patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this medication or to clonidine.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Apraclonidine HCl has been shown to have an embryocidal effect in rabbits when given in an oral dose of 3 mg/kg/day (150 times the maximum recommended human dose). Dose related maternal toxicity was observed in pregnant rats at 0.3 mg/kg/day (15 times the maximum recommended human dose). There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. IOPIDINE* 1% Ophthalmic Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

It is not known if topically applied IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution is excreted in human milk. Decision should be made to discontinue nursing temporarily for the one day on which IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution is used.

Overdosage

Ingestion of IOPIDINE* 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution has been reported to cause bradycardia, drowsiness, and hypothermia. Accidental or intentional ingestion of oral clonidine has been reported to cause apnea, arrhythmias, asthenia, bradycardia, conduction defects, diminished or absent reflexes, dryness of the mouth, hypotension, hypothermia, hypoventilation, irritability, lethargy, miosis, pallor, respiratory depression, sedation or coma, seizure, somnolence, transient hypertension, and vomiting. Treatment of an oral overdose includes supportive and symptomatic therapy; a patent airway should be maintained. Hemodialysis is of limited value since a maximum of 5% of circulating drug is removed.

How Supplied

IOPIDINE 1% Ophthalmic Solution as base is a sterile, isotonic, aqueous solution containing apraclonidine hydrochloride. Supplied as follows: 0.1 mL in plastic ophthalmic dispensers, packaged two per pouch. These dispensers are enclosed in a foil overwrap as an added barrier to evaporation. 0.1 mL (packaged two per pouch) NDC 82667‑200-01 Storage: Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F‑77°F). Protect from light. Manufactured for: Harrow Eye, LLC™ Nashville, TN 37205 USA Revised: February 2023

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.