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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using apraclonidine ophthalmic (Iopidine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to apraclonidine or to clonidine (Catapres).

Do not use apraclonidine ophthalmic if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.

Before using apraclonidine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• a history of fainting or low blood pressure.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use apraclonidine ophthalmic.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether apraclonidine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use apraclonidine ophthalmic (Iopidine)?

This medication is usually given one hour before eye surgery and again right after surgery. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will most likely give you this medication.

If you use apraclonidine ophthalmic at home, use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using apraclonidine before putting your contact lenses in.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Keep the eye drop pouches in their foil overwrap until you are ready to us the medication. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Use each single-dose applicator only one time.

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