Dipivefrin (Ophthalmic)

Dipivefrin is used to treat specific types of glaucoma.

This medicine is available only with a prescription from your doctor.

Your doctor should check your eye pressure during regular visits.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of the medicine against the benefits it will provide. For this medicine, keep the following points in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing its use in children to use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work in the same way as they do in younger adults. While there is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in older adults to other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older adults than in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction could occur. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food because interactions may happen. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Eye disease or problems (other)—Dipivefrin may worsen the condition.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, 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 the eye or eyelid (severe), or other irritation of the eye
• Skin rash or hives
• Watering of eyes (severe and continuing)

Some side effects may happen 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 how 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.

In the U.S.

• Propine

Pharmacologic Class: Sympathomimetic

Chemical Class: Alkylarylamine

Use this medicine 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 this medicine 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 this medicine. 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 this medicine, 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.