Dipivefrin

Generic name: Dipivefrin hydrochloride
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution
Drug class:Ophthalmic glaucoma agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 22, 2022.

Description

Dipivefrin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is a sterile, isotonic solution. Dipivefrin hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder, freely soluble in water. It is classified as a sympathomimetic agent and has the following structural formula:

Molecular Formula: C19H29O5N • HCI Molecular weight: 387.90

Chemical Name: [±] -3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol 3,4-dipivalate hydrochloride.

Each mL Contains:

ACTIVE: Dipivefrin hydrochloride 1 mg (0.1%)

INACTIVES: Edetate Disodium, Sodium Chloride, Purified Water, Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (2.5 - 3.5).

PRESERVATIVE ADDED: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.005%.

Clinical Pharmacology

Dipivefrin hydrochloride, is a member of a class of drugs known as prodrugs. Prodrugs are usually not active in themselves and require biotransformation to the parent compound before therapeutic activity is seen. These modifications are undertaken to enhance absorption, decrease side effects and enhance stability and comfort, thus making the parent compound a more useful drug. Enhanced absorption makes the prodrug a more efficient delivery system for the parent drug because less drug will be needed to produce the desired therapeutic response.

Dipivefrin hydrochloride is a prodrug of epinephrine formed by the diesterification of epinephrine and pivalic acid. The addition of pivaloyl groups to the epinephrine molecule enhances its lipophilic character and, as a consequence, its penetration into the anterior chamber.

Dipivefrin hydrochloride is converted to epinephrine inside the human eye by enzyme hydrolysis. The liberated epinephrine, an adrenergic agonist, appears to exert its action by decreasing aqueous production and by enhancing outflow facility. The Dipivefrin hydrochloride prodrug delivery system is a more efficient way of delivering the therapeutic effects of epinephrine, with fewer side effects than are associated with conventional epinephrine th...