Apraclonidine (Iopidine, Brytly) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use apraclonidine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use apraclonidine.

• Apraclonidine
• Brytly
• Iopidine
• Clonidine
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific apraclonidine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Prescription apraclonidine should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using apraclonidine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about apraclonidine before using it?

If apraclonidine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you use an over-the-counter (OTC) apraclonidine product, use it according to the labeled directions. The OTC product is a lower strength and is not used to lower eye pressure. Similarly, the prescription products are higher strengths and are not to be used for eye redness.

Do not share apraclonidine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep apraclonidine out of the reach of children.

Apraclonidine is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. 

Tell your health care provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, eye pain, or changes in vision while using apraclonidine. 

If you usually wear contact lenses, ask your health care provider when it is okay to wear them.

You may have dizziness or sleepiness after using prescription apraclonidine. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness until you know how it affects you. If apraclonidine is given to you after eye surgery, ask your health care provider when it is safe to drive.

What should I tell my health care provider before using apraclonidine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if apraclonidine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Blood Flow Problems. Apraclonidine may worsen the symptoms of certain blood flow problems (vascular insufficiency). Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following conditions. They can help decide if apraclonidine is safe for you.

• Circulation problems, or poor blood flow to the brain or heart
• Slowed brain or nerves (central nervous system depression), which may cause confusion, sleepiness, and slow reaction times, among other problems 
• Low blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
• Raynaud’s syndrome, which is a condition where small blood vessels in the fingers and toes temporarily narrow, causing them to sometimes feel cold and change color
• Inflamed or blocked blood vessels in your arms and legs

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Eye problems affecting the clear layer that covers the front of your eye (cornea) or eye surface
• Fainting

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how apraclonidine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use apraclonidine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if apraclonidine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use apraclonidine while breastfeeding.