Dipine

Dipine® (Dipine HCI ophthalmic solution, USP) is indicated as initial therapy for the control of intraocular pressure in chronic open-angle glaucoma. Patients responding inadequately to other antiglaucoma therapy may respond to addition of Dipine® (Dipine).

In controlled and open-label studies of glaucoma, Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution demonstrated a statistically significant intraocular pressure-lowering effect. Patients using Dipine® (Dipine) twice daily in studies with mean durations of 76-146 days experienced mean pressure reductions ranging from 20-24%.

Therapeutic response to Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution twice daily is somewhat less than 2% epinephrine twice daily. Controlled studies showed statistically significant differences in lowering of intraocular pressure between Dipine® (Dipine) and 2% epinephrine. In controlled studies in patients with a history of epinephrine intolerance, only 3% of patients treated with Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution exhibited intolerance, while 55% of those treated with epinephrine again developed intolerance.

Therapeutic response to Dipine® (Dipine) twice daily therapy is comparable to 2% pilocarpine 4 times daily. In controlled clinical studies comparing Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution and 2% pilocarpine, there were no statistically significant differences in the maintenance of IOP levels for the two medications. Dipine® (Dipine) does not produce miosis or accommodative spasm which cholinergic agents are known to produce. Night blindness often associated with miotic agents is not present with Dipine® (Dipine) therapy. Patients with cataracts avoid the inability to see around lenticular opacities caused by constricted pupil.

Dipine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Dipine ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye).

Dipine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Initial Glaucoma Therapy

The usual dosage of Dipine® (Dipine) is one drop in the eye(s) every 12 hours.

Replacement with Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution

When patients are being transferred to Dipine® (Dipine) from antiglaucoma agents other than epinephrine, on the first day continue the previous medication and add one drop of Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution in each eye every 12 hours. On the following day, discontinue the previously used antiglaucoma agent and continue with Dipine® (Dipine).

In transferring patients from conventional epinephrine therapy to Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution, simply discontinue the epinephrine medication and institute the Dipine® (Dipine) regimen.

Addition of Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution

When patients on other antiglaucoma agents require additional therapy, add one drop of Dipine® (Dipine) every 12 hours.

Concomitant Therapy

For difficult to control patients, the addition of Dipine® (Dipine) ophthalmic solution to other agents such as pilocarpine, carbachol, echothiophate iodide or acetazolamide has been shown to be effective.

Note: Not for injection.

How supplied

Dipine® (Dipine HCI ophthalmic solution, USP) 0.1%, is supplied sterile in plastic dropper bottles as follows: 5 mL - 0023-9208-05; 10 mL - 0023-9208-10; 15 mL - 0023-9208-15.

Note: Store in tight, light-resistant containers.

Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92612, U.S.A. Revised December 2000. FDA Rev date: 4/12/2002

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Dipine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Dipine, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Before using Dipine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have high blood pressure or a history of cataract surgery.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Dipine before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Use Dipine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• To use Dipine, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• If you miss a dose of Dipine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dipine.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Dipine?

Additive ocular hypotensive effects with other anti-glaucoma drugs.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Dipine?

Applies to Dipine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

As well as its needed effects, Dipine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Dipine) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking Dipine ophthalmic, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

Rare

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• increase in blood pressure
• itching, pain, redness, or swelling of eye or eyelid (severe), or other irritation of the eye
• skin rash or hives
• watering of eyes (severe and continuing)

Minor Side Effects

Some Dipine ophthalmic side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

Less common:

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

Ophtho-Dipine is a prodrug of adrenaline, which is used to treat glaucoma. It is available as ophthalmic solution (eye drops).