Clonidine provides an allergy-free alternative in glaucoma patients with proven allergy to apraclonidine.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine allergic responses to clonidine hydrochloride 0.25% in glaucoma patients with proven allergic reaction to apraclonidine 0.5%.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive glaucoma patients with allergic reaction to apraclonidine were prospectively challenged with clonidine hydrochloride 0.25% and evaluated for recurrence of allergic reactions and efficacy of treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP), conjunctival hyperemia, blood pressure and resting pulse rate were determined at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
None of the patients developed ocular allergic reaction during 12 months on clonidine therapy. Blood pressure and pulse rate did not change significantly with clonidine treatment. Clonidine caused a significant reduction of IOP from baseline. In one patient, topical clonidine caused fatigue, dizziness and dry mouth.


CONCLUSIONS
Clonidine did not cause allergic reaction in patients with proven allergy to apraclonidine, indicating that there is no cross-reactivity with apraclonidine. Due to the small series, however, we cannot assume that allergy will not occur with clonidine 0.25% given time and a larger number of patients.
Geyer
O
O
Department of Ophthalmology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. drgo@netvision.net.il
Schmidt
K G
KG
Pianka
P
P
Neudorfer
M
M
Lazar
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C016986:apraclonidine; D003000:Clonidine