Type of medicine: sympathomimetic
Generic and brand names: dipivefrin, ophthalmic; AK Pro; Propine
This medicine (in the form of eyedrops) is used to treat high pressure in the eyes. High intraocular pressure occurs with glaucoma and other conditions.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you wear contacts lenses.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use more of it or use it more often than prescribed.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.
To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip with a clean tissue, and put the cap on tightly.
Do not use this medicine if it is discolored or has particles in it.
If you are using more than one type of eyedrop, use them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which eyedrops to use first.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to be sure your condition is under control. Ask your healthcare provider if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eye, get an eye infection, or need eye surgery.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine. This medicine may discolor soft contact lenses.
Your vision may be blurred after you use this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you can see clearly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (contact your healthcare provider right away): Severe eye pain, irregular heartbeat, trembling, higher blood pressure, change in vision.
Other: Eye stinging or burning, headache, red or watery eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, enlarged pupils.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are using any other products in your eyes.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
