$Unique_ID{BRK03141}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{epinephrine (ophthalmic)}
$Subject{Epifrin Allergan Epinal Alcon Eppy/N Sola/Barnes-Hind Glaucon Alcon
Antiglaucoma ophthalmic solution epinephrine adrenaline glaucoma pressure eye
aqueous humor fluid drainage}
$Volume{}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


epinephrine (ophthalmic)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Epifrin (Allergan)
     Epinal (Alcon)
     Eppy/N (Sola/Barnes-Hind)
     Glaucon (Alcon)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antiglaucoma ophthalmic solution

INGREDIENT

     epinephrine (adrenaline)

DOSAGE FORM

     Ophthalmic solution (0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
This medication should never be frozen.  The solution should be discarded if
it turns brown or cloudy because this indicates deterioration and loss of
potency.

USES

     Epinephrine (ophthalmic) is used to treat glaucoma.  It lowers the
pressure in the eye by decreasing the production of aqueous humor (a
particular fluid in the eye) and increasing its drainage.

TREATMENT

     Wash your hands with soap and water before applying this medication.  In
order to avoid contamination of the eye drops, be careful not to touch the
tube portion of the dropper or let it touch your eye; and DO NOT wipe off or
rinse the dropper after each use.
     To apply the eye drops, tilt your head back and pull down your lower
eyelid with one hand to make a pouch below the eye.  Drop the prescribed
amount of medicine into this pouch and slowly close your eyes.  Try not to
blink.  Keep your eyes closed, and place one finger at the corner of the eye
next to your nose for a minute or two, applying slight pressure (this is done
to prevent loss of the medication through the duct that drains fluid from the
surface of the eye into the nose and throat).  Then wipe away any excess with
a clean tissue.  Since the drops are somewhat difficult to apply, you may want
to have someone else apply them for you.
     If more than one type of eye drop has been prescribed for you, wait at
least five minutes after applying epinephrine before using the other eye
medication (to give the epinephrine time to work).  However, if you are also
using an eye drop that constricts your pupils, check with your doctor to see
which drug should be applied first.
     If you miss a dose of epinephrine, apply the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
apply the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Brow ache, headache, or transitory stinging on initial application.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly troublesome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about blurred vision, eye pain, fainting, palpitations, sweating, or
trembling.

INTERACTIONS

     Epinephrine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of epinephrine and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
or tricyclic antidepressants can lead to serious side effects.  At least 21
days should, therefore, separate doses of epinephrine and either of these
types of medications.
     2. Digoxin can increase the side effects of epinephrine.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially anu of those listed above.

WARNINGS
     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially epinephrine.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or have ever had diabetes mellitus, heart or blood vessel
disease, high blood pressure, a stroke, or thyroid disease.
     * If this medication blurs your vision, try to avoid activities that
require visual acuity, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous equipment.
     * Epinephrine can cause discoloration of soft contact lenses.  If you
currently wear soft contact lenses, you should discuss with your doctor
whether your medication or your contact lenses should be changed.
     * Be sure to ell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although epinephrine
(ophthalmic) appears to be safe during pregnancy, studies in humans have not
been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
It is not known whether epinephrine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.