epinephrine ophthalmic
Generic Name: epinephrine ophthalmic (ep ih NEF rin)
Brand Names: Epifrin, Epinal, Eppy/N, Glaucon
What is epinephrine ophthalmic?
Epinephrine ophthalmic causes decongestion in the eye by constricting blood vessels in the eye.
It also enlarges the pupil, and it reduces the amount of fluid in the eye in two ways: It reduces the
production of fluid inside the eye, and it increases the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
Epinephrine ophthalmic is used to treat open-angle glaucoma.
Epinephrine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine
ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after each drop to prevent
the fluid from draining down the tear duct.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Epinephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these
activities.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epinephrine
ophthalmic?
Epinephrine ophthalmic should not be used to treat narrow- or shallow-angle glaucoma.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you
You may not be able to use epinephrine ophthalmic, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying epinephrine ophthalmic. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Epinephrine ophthalmic
may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
Epinephrine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether epinephrine ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether epinephrine passes into breast milk. Do not use epinephrine
ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use epinephrine ophthalmic?
Use epinephrine ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying epinephrine ophthalmic. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Epinephrine ophthalmic
may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
To apply the eye drops:
-
Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid.
Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and
close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1
minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. If you are using more than 1 drop
in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in
the other eye if needed.
Epinephrine ophthalmic is usually used once or twice a day. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store the drops at room temperature or in the refrigerator away from heat and moisture. If
you store the drops in the refrigerator, do not let them freeze. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
If you suspect an overdose of this medication, or if the drops have been ingested (taken by
mouth), contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.
What should I avoid while using epinephrine ophthalmic?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Epinephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these
activities.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying epinephrine ophthalmic. Ask your
doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Epinephrine ophthalmic
may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), which may cause discoloration of contact lenses.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinephrine ophthalmic except under
the direction of your doctor.
Epinephrine ophthalmic side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using epinephrine ophthalmic
and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);
-
an irregular or fast heart rate; or
-
high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, or
flushed skin).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
epinephrine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience
Colored deposits (spots) on the inner lining of the eyelid or on the surface of
the eye may develop during chronic treatment with epinephrine ophthalmic. These deposits are
harmless.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect epinephrine ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinephrine ophthalmic except under
the direction of your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with epinephrine ophthalmic. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about epinephrine ophthalmic written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Epinephrine ophthalmic is available with a prescription generically and under several brand
names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02. Revision Date: 1/11/06 10:30:12 AM.
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