D-Epiphrine: use, side effects and application features
D-epiphrine is a drug used to treat open-angle glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure due to eye infections. It is produced in the form of eye drops containing 0.1% of the active substance - dipivefrin.
D-Epifrin is produced by Krka (Slovenia) and Pharma-Allergan (Germany), and is an antiglaucoma drug. It enhances the effect of other antiglaucoma drugs such as pilocarpine, carbacholin and acetazolamide.
However, like any medicine, d-epiphrine can cause unwanted side effects. Among them are headache, irritation of the conjunctiva, burning sensation and rawness in the eye, follicular conjunctivitis, mydriasis, reversible maculopathy, formation of adenochrome deposits in the conjunctiva and cornea, allergic reactions, rarely - tachycardia, rhythm disturbances, arterial hypertension. If any unwanted effects occur, consult a doctor.
D-epiphrine is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, in patients with aphakia (no lens in the eye), d-epiphrine should be used with caution, as this may lead to the development of macular edema. Before prescribing the drug, gonioscopy must be performed, and treatment should be carried out under the control of intraocular pressure. Contact lenses should be removed before using drops.
In case of an overdose of d-epiphrine, arrhythmia and extrasystole may occur. Treatment is symptomatic, for example, propranolol may be prescribed.
Thus, d-epiphrine is an effective antiglaucoma drug, but its use should be carried out under strict medical supervision. Treatment should be individualized, taking into account the characteristics of the patient and his health.