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Apraclonidine hydrochloride is a potent and relatively selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist. The α2-adrenoceptor is widely expressed in the eye, located in regions of the anterior segment including the cornea, trabecular meshwork, iris, ciliary body epithelium and ciliary muscle and in the posterior segment in structures such as the retina, retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. Apraclonidine is useful in the diagnosis of Horner Syndrome. It is also used to prevent intraocular pressure spikes after anterior segment laser surgery or following cataract surgery. It can also be used as a temporary adjunctive drug for patients with open-angle glaucoma on maximal therapy before laser trabeculoplasty or surgery, and as a treatment for ptosis secondary to injections of botulinum toxin on the upper third of the face.
Dr. G. Scuderi, Sapienza University of Rome, 2nd School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Rome, Italy. Gianluca.scuderi@uniroma1.it
11.3.3 Apraclonidine, brimonidine (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
3.8 Pharmacology (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)