Long term effect of apraclonidine.

Abstract

AIMS:

To evaluate the effect of the chronic use of apraclonidine 0.5% on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients with glaucoma; also, to study the side effect profile of this drug when used chronically.

METHODS:

All patients who had uncontrolled IOP, who were either already on glaucoma medications, or who were intolerant of other glaucoma medications were enrolled. A total of 185 patients were started on apraclonidine 0.5% two to three times a day in one eye.

RESULTS:

Follow up extended to 35 weeks. The mean difference in IOP between treated and control eyes was 2.1 (SD 5.0) mm Hg. A similar IOP lowering effect was obtained comparing IOP difference from baseline in the treated eye only.

CONCLUSION:

By the end of the follow up period, 46% of patients were still on the medication. The drug was stopped in 23% of patients because of side effects and in 31% of patients because of failure to lower IOP significantly.

• Authors: S V Araujo, J B Bond, R P Wilson, M R Moster, C M Schmidt Jr, G L Spaeth
• Journal: The British journal of ophthalmology (Br J Ophthalmol) Vol. 79 Issue 12 Pg. 1098-101 (Dec 1995) ISSN: 0007-1161 [Print] England
• PMID: 8562543 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
• apraclonidine
• Clonidine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Clonidine (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Glaucoma (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged