Dipivefrin Ophthalmic Description

Generic Name : DIPIVEFRIN OPHTHALMIC

Pronunciation : (dye pl ve trin)

Trade Name(s) : Propine

Why it is prescribed: Dipivefrin reduces pressure within the eyeball. It is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure can lead to gradual loss of vision.

When it is to be taken: Dipivefrin is usually used every 12 hours. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Dipivefrin must be used on a regular schedule to be effective. Keep all appointments with your doctor so its effectiveness can be evaluated.

How it should be taken: Dipivefrin comes in the form of eyedrops. Your prescription label tells you how many drops to use at each dose. Usually, one drop is applied every 12 hours. Apply the eyedrops in the following manner:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
3. Make sure that the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
4. Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or against anything else.
5. Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
6. Lie down or tilt your head back.
7. Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
8. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
9. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
10. Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
11. Close your eye for two to three minutes to keep the medication in the eye.
12. Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
13. Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Special Instruction :
1. Dipivefrin may lose its effectiveness with long-term use. Contact your doctor if your vision worsens or if you have eye pain.
2. Dipivefrin may make your eyes more sensitive to light and glare. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes if sunlight causes discomfort.
3. If you forget to take a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for a scheduled dose, omit the missed dose.

Side Effects :
1. Eye irritation, discomfort, burning, stinging, inflammation, swelling, or pain; blurred vision; increased sensitivity to light and glare. Contact your doctor if these effects are bothersome.
2. Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain. Stop using the eye drops and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Dipivefrin eyedrops contain sodium metabisulfite, an ingredient that can cause serious allergic type reactions in people sensitive to sulfites. Signs of this reaction include wheezing, difficulty breathing, itching, flushing, and fainting. If you experience this reaction, go to a hospital or contact your doctor immediately.
2. If you have had a bad allergic reaction to epinephrine eye drops, tell your doctor. You may have similar reaction to dipivefrin.
3. Before taking dipivefrin, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel disease, irregular heartbeat, or asthma.
4. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors. 5. Before you use dipivefrin, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription dugs you are taking, especially eye medications.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep dipivefrin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it away from heat and light. Exposure to air and light causes the liquid to darken or become discolored and lose its effectiveness. If this happens, do not use the medication; obtain a new supply.