Apraclonidine 1% eye drops differ from brimonidine 0.2% in their principal clinical role because apraclonidine:
- A Crosses the blood-brain barrier and is preferred in paediatric glaucoma
- B Is used mainly to prevent or blunt postoperative and post-laser intraocular pressure spikes rather than for chronic glaucoma therapy ✓
- C Has a stronger alpha-1 agonist action, making it the first-line chronic therapy in aphakic glaucoma
- D Acts on rho kinase rather than alpha adrenergic receptors
Correct answer: B. Is used mainly to prevent or blunt postoperative and post-laser intraocular pressure spikes rather than for chronic glaucoma therapy
Explanation
Apraclonidine is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used almost exclusively to prevent or treat short-term IOP spikes after argon laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy and anterior segment surgery. It is unsuitable for chronic use because of a high incidence of local allergic follicular conjunctivitis and tachyphylaxis within months. Brimonidine penetrates the blood-brain barrier more readily and is the alpha-2 agonist chosen for long-term therapy.
Reference: Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.