How does it work?

Dipivefrine is converted in the eye to adrenaline. Adrenaline then acts on receptors (adrenoceptors) in the walls of blood vessels in the eye. This causes the blood vessels to narrow which restricts the flow of blood through the vessels. Reduced blood flow leads to a decrease in the production of the watery fluid (aqueous humour) that fills the back of the eye. Adrenaline is also thought to increase the drainage of this fluid from the eye. It is not fully understood how it does this. As adrenaline decreases the amount of fluid inside the eye, it is useful in treating glaucoma. This is a condition in which excess fluid inside the eye raises the pressure within the eyeball. Dipivefrine is used as an eye drop so that it may act directly where it is needed and decrease the incidence of side effects to the rest of the body.

What is it used for?

Open angle glaucoma

Raised pressure within the eye (ocular hypertension)

Warning!

This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.

This medicine should discarded four weeks after opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully.

Use with caution in

Absence of the lens of the eye (aphakia)

Not to be used in

Closed angle glaucoma

Soft contact lens wearers

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Dilated pupils

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Infection of the front of the eye (conjunctiva)

Burning and stinging on instillation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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