Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Dipivefrine eye drops

  • If mydriasis (excessive widening of the pupil of the eye) occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery.
  • Once opened, your eye drops have an expiry of 28 days.
  • You should avoid wearing soft contact lenses.

About dipivefrine eye drops

Type of medicine Sympathomimetic
Used for Raised pressure in the eye
Also called Propine
Available as Eye drops

Dipivefrine is converted in the eye to adrenaline. Adrenaline then acts on receptors in the eye to reduce the amount of aqueous humour (watery fluid) that fills the back of the eye, therefore reducing pressure.

Before taking dipivefrine eye drops

Before taking dipivefrine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from closed-angle glaucoma.
  • If you have narrow angles in your eye.
  • If you suffer from aphakia (absence of the lens of the eye).
  • If you suffer from heart disease.
  • If you suffer from high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from hyperthyroidism.

How to take dipivefrine eye drops

  • Usually, one drop in the affected eye(s) every 12 hours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If mydriasis (excessive widening of the pupil of the eye) occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery.
  • Using several drops at a time does not improve glaucoma, and increases the risk of side effects.
  • Once opened, your eye drops have an expiry of 28 days.
  • You should avoid wearing soft contact lenses.

Can dipivefrine eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend some pain relief.
Burning and stinging on instillation This should be temporary.
Mydriasis (excessive widening of the pupil of the eye) Avoid driving or operating machinery.

How to store dipivefrine eye drops

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3288		 DocRef:
dils2214		 Last Updated:
10 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Jan 2009		 Version:
22
















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page