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|Epinephrine Ophthalmic

EPINEPHRINE (Ophthalmic)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Epifrin ¹
• Epinal ²
• Eppy/N ²
• Glaucon ¹

In Canada—

• Epifrin ¹

Category

• Antiglaucoma agent, ophthalmic—Epinephrine; Epinephryl Borate
• Surgical aid, ophthalmic—Epinephrine; Epinephryl Borate

Description

Ophthalmic epinephrine is used to treat certain types of glaucoma. It may also be used in eye surgery.

This medicine is available only with your doctor"s prescription, in the following dosage forms:

• Ophthalmic
• Epinephrine
  • Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S. and Canada)
• Epinephryl Borate
  • Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For epinephrine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as sulfites or other preservatives.

Pregnancy—Ophthalmic epinephrine may be absorbed into the body. However, studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—Ophthalmic epinephrine may be absorbed into the body. However, it is not known whether epinephrine passes into the breast milk.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of epinephrine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bronchial asthma or
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus or
• Eye disease (other) or
• Heart or blood vessel disease or
• High blood pressure or
• Overactive thyroid—Epinephrine may make the condition worse

• Dental surgery on gums—Dental surgery may include the use of epinephrine in topical or injection form. Use of ophthalmic epinephrine during this time may increase blood levels of the medicine and increase the chance of side effects

Proper Use of This Medicine

Use this medicine only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of too much medicine being absorbed into the body and the chance of side effects.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For patients using epinephrine ophthalmic solution :

• Do not use if the solution turns pinkish or brownish in color, or if it becomes cloudy.

For patients using epinephryl borate ophthalmic solution :

• The color of this solution may vary from colorless to amber yellow. Do not use if the solution turns dark brown or becomes cloudy.

Dosing—The dose of ophthalmic epinephrine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor"s orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic epinephrine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For epinephrine and epinephryl borate
• For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage forms:
  • For glaucoma:
    • Adults and teenagers—One drop one or two times a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Your doctor should check your eye pressure at regular visits.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems for a short time after it is applied. If any of these occur, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well .

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 11/28/1994

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