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Apraclonidine Coupon - Apraclonidine 5ml of 0.5% eye dropper

apraclonidine

Generic Iopidine
Used for Glaucoma
Used for Glaucoma

Apraclonidine 0.5% is an eye drop used with other medications to lower eye pressure from certain conditions (such as glaucoma) in adults. It belongs to the alpha adrenergic agonist drug class. The dosage is to place one or two drops in the eye(s) three times a day. Potential side effects of apraclonidine include red eyes, blurry vision, and dry mouth.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 9, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Apraclonidine?

What is Apraclonidine used for?

How Apraclonidine works

Apraclonidine is an alpha adrenergic agonist. When it's used in the eye, it reduces the amount of fluid in the eye. When there's less fluid inside the eye, the eye pressure goes down.

Are you looking for information on Iopidine (apraclonidine) 1% eye drops instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIopidine
Drug ClassAlpha agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$86.74(save 67.58%)
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$28.12
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What are the side effects of Apraclonidine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Eye discomfort (5-15%)
  • Eye redness (5-15%)
  • Eye itching (5-15%)
  • Dry mouth (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye inflammation
  • Dry eye
  • Feeling like there's something in your eye
  • Eyelid changes
  • Tearing
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Stuffy nose

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

For 0.5% apraclonidine

More common

Allergic reaction (redness, itching, tearing of the eye)

Less common

Blurred vision or change in vision

chest pain

clumsiness or unsteadiness

depression

dizziness

eye discharge, irritation, or pain

irregular heartbeat

numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes

raising of the upper eyelid

rash around the eyes

redness of the eyelid or inner lining of the eyelid

swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

swelling of the face, hands, or feet

For 1% apraclonidine

Less common

Blurred vision

diarrhea

dry mouth

eye redness

fainting

feeling cold or sleepy

irregular heartbeat

lightheadedness

redness, swelling, or whitening of the eyelids

slow heartbeat

stomach pain

stuff or runny nose

swelling of the eyelid

trouble sleeping

unusual dreams

unusual taste in the mouth

vomiting

watering of eye

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

For 1% apraclonidine

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion

clumsiness

drowsiness

low body temperature

muscle aches

muscle weakness

shivering

sleepiness

slow heartbeat

tiredness

weak or feeble pulse

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For 0.5% apraclonidine

More common

Dryness of the mouth

eye discomfort

Less common

Change in taste or smell

constipation

crusting or scales on the eyelid or corner of the eye

discoloration of white part of the eye

drowsiness or sleepiness

dry nose or eyes

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

muscle aches

nausea

nervousness

paleness of the eye or inner lining of the eyelid

runny nose

sore throat

tiredness or weakness

trouble in sleeping

For 1% apraclonidine

More common

Increase in size of the pupil of the eye

paleness of the eye or inner lining of the eyelid

Less common

Runny nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Apraclonidine

thumbs-up

Pros

Can further lower eye pressure when other medications aren't working well enough

Available as a lower-cost generic

Starts working within one hour

thumbs-down

Cons

Only meant for short-term use

Must be used 3 times a day

Can cause dry mouth and eye irritation

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Apraclonidine

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands before putting apraclonidine drops in your eyes. Don't touch the dropper tip to your eye, hands, or any surface. This will help to avoid eye infections by preventing germs from spreading to the solution.

    • The preservative in apraclonidine, benzalkonium chloride, can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause damage. If you wear contacts, remove them before each dose of apraclonidine and wait 15 minutes after using the drops before putting them back in.

      • After placing a drop in your eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the drop.

        • If you're using apraclonidine alongside other eye medications, wait 5 minutes between each one to allow your eyes time to absorb each treatment.

          • Apraclonidine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. It's best to avoid alcohol and other substances or medications with similar effects. Don’t drive or perform tasks that require alertness or clear vision until you know how apraclonidine affects you.

            • It's not easy to tell if your eye pressure is improving at home. Be sure to use apraclonidine as prescribed, even if you don't immediately notice a difference. Sometimes, apraclonidine can stop working over time, so it's important to regularly follow up with your eye specialist.

              • Apraclonidine can interact with other medications, so it's best to inform your care team about everything that you take, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Due to the risk of more side effects, tell your prescriber if you're taking an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Apraclonidine

                Is apraclonidine over the counter?
                No, apraclonidine isn't available over the counter (OTC). It requires a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP).
                Does apraclonidine dilate the pupil?
                In healthy eyes, apraclonidine slightly constricts (tightens) the pupil. But in people with certain eye conditions like Horner's syndrome, it can dilate (widen) the pupil.
                Does apraclonidine help droopy eyelids?
                While some research suggests apraclonidine can help with droopy eyelids, it isn't FDA approved for this use. If you're looking to treat droopy eyelids, talk to your eye specialist about alternative treatments.
                How long does it take for apraclonidine to work?
                Apraclonidine starts to lower eye pressure within 1 hour and reaches its peak effect in about 3 hours. It's not easy to tell if your eye pressure is improving at home, but remember to continue taking apraclonidine as prescribed, even if you don't notice any difference in your symptoms or vision right away.
                What is the difference between apraclonidine and brand name Iopidine?
                Apraclonidine and the brand name Iopidine both contain the same active ingredient. The main difference is that apraclonidine is available in 0.5% eye drops as a generic version, and the brand name Iopidine is available in 1% eye drops. Both medications are used to lower pressure in the eye(s). But Iopidine 1% eye drops are specifically used to prevent high pressure in the eye(s) after certain eye procedures.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Apraclonidine?

                Apraclonidine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Caution with liver or kidney problems

                Even though apraclonidine is used in the eye, some of it can absorb into the bloodstream. If you have kidney or liver problems, this medication can potentially build up in your body and cause more side effects. Discuss your full medical history with your prescriber, as you might need to keep a closer eye on your blood pressure and heart rate.

                risk-warning

                Worsening of low blood flow

                • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Severe heart disease | Recent heart attack | History of stroke | Kidney failure | Raynaud's disease | Blood clots in the hands or feet due to tobacco (thromboangiitis obliterans, or Buerger's disease)

                  If apraclonidine is absorbed into your bloodstream, it can lower your blood pressure. This can be a problem for people who already have issues with low blood flow to the brain, heart, hands, feet, or other parts of the body. If you have any of the above risk factors, let your prescriber know.

                  risk-warning

                  Dizziness and drowsiness

                  Apraclonidine can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving and doing other tasks that require you to be alert until you know how this medication affects you.

                  risk-warning

                  Allergic reaction

                  It's possible to have an allergic reaction from apraclonidine. Let your prescriber know if you experience eye or eyelid redness, itching, discomfort, tearing, or swelling after using the drops.

                  dosage

                  Apraclonidine dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.5% of Apraclonidine is $28.12 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.58% off the average retail price of $86.74.
                  eye dropper
                  Eye dropper
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$28.12$28.12
                  10ml of 0.5%1 eye dropper$51.74$51.74

                  Typical dosing for Apraclonidine

                  The typical dose is to place 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 3 times daily.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Apraclonidine and other drugs

                  Apraclonidine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Apraclonidine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  • Iobenguane I 131
                  drug-cost

                  How much does Apraclonidine cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Iopidine (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $28.12

                  (save 89.65%)
                  Apraclonidine (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $28.12

                  (save 67.58%)
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Apraclonidine contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Apraclonidine will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Apraclonidine?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Apraclonidine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Apraclonidine
                  Used for:
                  $28.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Brinzolamide (Azopt)
                  Used for:

                  • High pressure in the eye caused by ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye) or open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma)

                  $61.25 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Alphagan P (brimonidine)
                  Used for:
                  $6.07 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Apraclonidine images

                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Ahn, J., et al. (2021). Binding affinity of benzalkonium chloride on contact lens surfaces and the effects on their physical properties. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.

                  Fierz, F. C., et al. (2022). Apraclonidine–An eye opener. Frontiers in Ophthalmology.

                  Khan, Z., et al. (2023). Horner syndrome. StatPearls.

                  View All References (5)

                  National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Parts of the eye.

                  PubChem. (n.d.). Apraclonidine.

                  SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.

                  Sandoz Inc. (2024). Apraclonidine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Wijemanne, S., et al. (2017). Apraclonidine in the treatment of ptosis. Journal of the Neurological Sciences.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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