Dipivefrine

Dipivefrine

Dipivefrine (pronounced di-piv-e-frin) is a prodrug of epinephrine, and is used to treat glaucoma. It is classified as a sympathomimetic drug.

Etymology

The term "Dipivefrine" is derived from the words "dipivalyl" and "epinephrine". "Dipivalyl" refers to the prodrug form, while "epinephrine" is the active drug that it is converted into in the body.

Usage

Dipivefrine is used to lower increased intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.

Pharmacology

Dipivefrine is a prodrug of epinephrine formed by the diesterification of epinephrine and pivalic acid. Once instilled in the eye, it is converted to epinephrine by enzymes in the cornea. Epinephrine then works to decrease intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production and enhancing outflow.

Side Effects

Common side effects of dipivefrine include burning or stinging in the eye, headache, and increased heart rate. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, severe eye pain, vision changes, and irregular heartbeat.

Related Terms

• Prodrug
• Epinephrine
• Glaucoma
• Sympathomimetic
• Intraocular pressure
• Ocular hypertension
• Enzyme
• Aqueous humor

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dipivefrine
• Wikipedia's article - Dipivefrine

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

---

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski