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News
Red eyes, meet your new OTC match. The FDA has approved Brytly (apraclonidine 0.125%), the first over-the-counter eye drop containing apraclonidine, for relieving eye redness caused by minor irritations. Made by Alcon, it's cleared for adults and children 12 and older — with a few simple guidelines for safe use.
Red eyes, meet your new OTC match. The FDA has approved Brytly (apraclonidine ophthalmic solution, 0.125%), a new nonprescription eye drop from Alcon, for the relief of eye redness caused by minor irritations. It marks a first — no OTC eye drop containing apraclonidine has been available before this. The product is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older.
Apraclonidine works as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist to reduce redness, and while it's already used in higher prescription-strength concentrations for glaucoma management and certain eye surgeries, this lower-dose formulation is now accessible without a prescription.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Brytly gives patients a new, accessible option for managing everyday eye redness — but clinicians should be aware of its proper use guidelines to counsel patients effectively and avoid misuse.
