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Drug Profile

The information on this site is intended to supplement and enhance, not replace, the advice of a physician who is familiar with your medical history. Decisions about your health should always be made ONLY after detailed conversation with your doctor.

Generic drug name: dipivefrin (dye PI ve frin)
Brand name(s): PROPINE
GENERIC: available FAMILY: Drugs for Glaucoma
Find the drug label by searching at DailyMed.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Warnings [top]

Pregnancy Warning

The available data from animal studies does not indicate harm in the use of dipivefrin during pregnancy. Use during pregnancy only for clear medical reasons. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant before you take this drug.

Breast-feeding Warning

No information is available from either human or animal studies. Since it is likely that this drug, like many others, is excreted in human milk, you should consult with your doctor if you are planning to nurse.

Facts About This Drug [top]

Dipivefrin is used to treat the most common form of glaucoma.  In glaucoma, the pressure of the fluid inside the eye increases, and dipivefrin controls the pressure by reducing the amount of fluid that is produced and improving its circulation. It has not proven to be as effective in lowering intraocular pressure as pilocarpine (ADSORBOCARPINE, ISOPTO CARPINE), beta-blockers such as timolol (TIMOPTIC), or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as dorzolamide (TRUSOPT). When used for a long time,...

Dipivefrin is used to treat the most common form of glaucoma.  In glaucoma, the pressure of the fluid inside the eye increases, and dipivefrin controls the pressure by reducing the amount of fluid that is produced and improving its circulation. It has not proven to be as effective in lowering intraocular pressure as pilocarpine (ADSORBOCARPINE, ISOPTO CARPINE), beta-blockers such as timolol (TIMOPTIC), or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as dorzolamide (TRUSOPT). When used for a long time, the initial improvement may diminish.

Before You Use This Drug [top]

Do not use if you have or have had:

  • angle-closure glaucoma

Tell your doctor if you have or have had:

  • allergies to drugs
  • pregnancy or are breast-feeding
  • the lens in your eye removed

Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including aspirin, herbs, vitamins, and other nonprescription products.

How to Use This Drug [top]

  • Wash hands immediately after applying eye drops.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take double doses.
  • Do not share your medication with others.
  • Take the drug at the same time(s) each day.
  • Store at room temperature with lid on tightly. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not expose to heat, moisture, or strong light. Keep out of reach of children.

Interactions with Other Drugs [top]

Evaluations of Drug Interactions 2003 lists no drugs, biologics (e.g., vaccines, therapeutic antibodies), or foods as causing “highly clinically significant” or “clinically significant” interactions when used together with the drugs in this section. We also found no interactions in the drugs’ FDA-approved professional package inserts. However, as the number of new drugs approved for marketing increases and as more experience is gained with these drugs over time, new interactions may be discovered.

Adverse Effects [top]

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • severe itching, pain, redness, or swelling of eye or eyelid
  • skin rash or hives
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • blood pressure increase
  • severe and continuing watering of eyes

Call your doctor if these symptoms continue:

  • blurred vision
  • burning or stinging of the eye
  • headache
  • increased sensitivity of eyes to light
  • large pupils

Periodic Tests[top]

Ask your doctor which of these tests should be done periodically while you are taking this drug:

  • eye pressure tests
  • complete eye exam, including test for visual acuity

last reviewed January 31, 2024