Epinephrine ophthalmic should not be used to treat narrow- or shallow-angle glaucoma.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
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have high blood pressure;
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take medicines to treat a heart condition;
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have asthma;
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have diabetes; or
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have thyroid problems.
You may not be able to use epinephrine ophthalmic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying epinephrine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Epinephrine ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
Epinephrine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether epinephrine ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether epinephrine passes into breast milk. Do not use epinephrine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Use epinephrine ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying epinephrine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Epinephrine ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
To apply the eye drops:
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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.
Epinephrine ophthalmic is usually used once or 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 the drops at room temperature or in the refrigerator away from heat and moisture. If you store the drops in the refrigerator, do not let them freeze. Keep the bottle properly capped.
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.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using epinephrine ophthalmic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);
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an irregular or fast heart rate; or
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high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or flushed skin).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use epinephrine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
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burning, stinging, or pain in the eye;
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blurred vision; or
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headache or brow ache.
Colored deposits (spots) on the inner lining of the eyelid or on the surface of the eye may develop during chronic treatment with epinephrine 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.
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.
Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Epinephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Epinephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
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 epinephrine ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Epinephrine ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinephrine ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinephrine ophthalmic except under the direction of your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with epinephrine ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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.