Dipivefrin Ophthalmic Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Dipivefrin (Ophthalmic)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 6, 2022.

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

- Propine

Pharmacologic Class: Sympathomimetic

Chemical Class: Alkylarylamine

## Uses for dipivefrin

Dipivefrin is used to treat certain types of glaucoma.

Dipivefrin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

## Before using dipivefrin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For dipivefrin, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to dipivefrin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Pediatric

Studies on dipivefrin have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of dipivefrin in children with use in other age groups.

### Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of dipivefrin in the elderly with use in other age groups, dipivefrin is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

### Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

### Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dipivefrin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

- Eye disease or problems (other)—Dipivefrin may make the condition worse

## Proper use of dipivefrin

Use dipivefrin only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medicine being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects.

To use:

- First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
- Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
- If you are using the medicine with the compliance cap (C Cap):
  - Before using the eye drops for the first time, make sure the number 1 or the correct day of the week appears in the window on the cap.
  - Remove the cap and use the eye drops as directed.
  - Replace the cap. Holding the cap between your thumb and forefinger, rotate the bottle until the cap clicks to the next station. This will tell you your next dose.
  - After every dose, rotate the bottle until the cap clicks to the position that tells you your next dose.

### Dosing

The dose of dipivefrin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of dipivefrin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

- For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
  - For glaucoma:
    - Adults—One drop every twelve hours.
    - Children—Use and dose must by determined by your doctor.

### Missed dose

If you miss a dose of dipivefrin, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

### Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Detailed Dipivefrin ophthalmic dosage information

## Precautions while using dipivefrin

Your doctor should check your eye pressure at regular visits.

## Dipivefrin side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- increase in blood pressure
- itching, pain, redness, or swelling of eye or eyelid (severe), or other irritation of the eye
- skin rash or hives
- watering of eyes (severe and continuing)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

- Blurred vision
- burning or stinging of the eye
- headache
- increased sensitivity of eyes to light
- large pupils

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dipivefrin ophthalmic side effects (more detail)

## More about dipivefrin ophthalmic

- Check interactions
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic glaucoma agents

### Patient resources

#### Other brands

Propine

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Glaucoma, Open Angle
- Intraocular Hypertension

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer