Apraclonidine (Iopidine) is a medication from the alpha-agonist family, used primarily for short-term treatments in the clinic rather than for chronic daily home use.
When is Iopidine used?
This medication acts quickly and powerfully to lower intraocular pressure. It is customary to administer it adjacent to laser treatments (such as SLT or LPI) to prevent a pressure spike following the procedure, or as part of managing a sudden, acute rise in pressure.
Why not for regular use?
Prolonged use of Iopidine very frequently leads to the development of a severe local allergy (Tachyphylaxis), which is why it is intended primarily for targeted, short-term treatment.