Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

For 0.5% apraclonidine

More common
  1. Allergic reaction (redness, itching, tearing of the eye)
Less common
  1. Blurred vision or change in vision
  2. chest pain
  3. clumsiness or unsteadiness
  4. depression
  5. dizziness
  6. eye discharge, irritation, or pain
  7. irregular heartbeat
  8. numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
  9. raising of the upper eyelid
  10. rash around the eyes
  11. redness of the eyelid or inner lining of the eyelid
  12. swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  13. swelling of the face, hands, or feet

For 1% apraclonidine

Less common
  1. Blurred vision
  2. diarrhea
  3. dry mouth
  4. eye redness
  5. fainting
  6. feeling cold or sleepy
  7. irregular heartbeat
  8. lightheadedness
  9. redness, swelling, or whitening of the eyelids
  10. slow heartbeat
  11. stomach pain
  12. stuff or runny nose
  13. swelling of the eyelid
  14. trouble sleeping
  15. unusual dreams
  16. unusual taste in the mouth
  17. vomiting
  18. watering of eye

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

For 1% apraclonidine

Symptoms of overdose
  1. Confusion
  2. clumsiness
  3. drowsiness
  4. low body temperature
  5. muscle aches
  6. muscle weakness
  7. shivering
  8. sleepiness
  9. slow heartbeat
  10. tiredness
  11. weak or feeble pulse
  12. weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For 0.5% apraclonidine

More common
  1. Dryness of the mouth
  2. eye discomfort
Less common
  1. Change in taste or smell
  2. constipation
  3. crusting or scales on the eyelid or corner of the eye
  4. discoloration of white part of the eye
  5. drowsiness or sleepiness
  6. dry nose or eyes
  7. general feeling of discomfort or illness
  8. headache
  9. increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
  10. muscle aches
  11. nausea
  12. nervousness
  13. paleness of the eye or inner lining of the eyelid
  14. runny nose
  15. sore throat
  16. tiredness or weakness
  17. trouble in sleeping

For 1% apraclonidine

More common
  1. Increase in size of the pupil of the eye
  2. paleness of the eye or inner lining of the eyelid
Less common
  1. Runny nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: Aug. 01, 2023