AK-Pro

Generic Name: dipivefrin ophthalmic
Other Brand Names: Propine, dipivefrin ophthalmic

What is dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Dipivefrin ophthalmic reduces the amount of fluid in the eye in two ways: It reduces the production of fluid inside the eye, and it increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye. This reduction in fluid decreases the pressure inside the eye.

Dipivefrin ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma.

Dipivefrin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Dipivefrin ophthalmic should not be used to treat narrow- or shallow-angle glaucoma.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you

  • have high or low blood pressure,

  • have ever had a heart attack,

  • take medicines to treat a heart condition,

  • have asthma,

  • have diabetes, or

  • have thyroid problems

You may not be able to use dipivefrin ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dipivefrin ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use dipivefrin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether dipivefrin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use dipivefrin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Use dipivefrin ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying dipivefrin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Dipivefrin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in the other eye if needed.

Dipivefrin ophthalmic is usually used twice a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store dipivefrin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose of dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about dipivefrin ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about dipivefrin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of dipivefrin ophthalmic?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using dipivefrin ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  • an irregular or fast heart rate; or

  • high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or flushed skin).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur including:

  • burning, stinging, or irritation of the eye;

  • large pupils; or

  • sensitivity of the eye to sunlight.

Colored deposits (spots) on the inner lining of the eyelid or on the surface of the eye may develop during chronic treatment with dipivefrin ophthalmic. These deposits are harmless.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

What should I avoid while taking dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying dipivefrin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Dipivefrin ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with dipivefrin ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

What other drugs will affect dipivefrin ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with dipivefrin ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dipivefrin ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of dipivefrin ophthalmic?

If you suspect an overdose of this medication, or if the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008