DIPIVEFRIN: CURRENT CONCEPTS

Ivan Goldberg; Allan E. Kolker; Michael A. Kass; Bernard Becker

doi:10.1111/j.1442-9071.1980.tb01673.x

DIPIVEFRIN: CURRENT CONCEPTS

Ivan Goldberg, Allan E. Kolker, Michael A. Kass, Bernard Becker

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

Pro‐drugs are agents that require biotransformation prior to exhibiting pharmacologic activity. Dipivefrin (dipivalyl epinephrine or DPE) is an epinephrine pro‐drug produced by the addition of two pivalic acid groups to the parent compound. This creates a more lipophilic molecule which penetrates the cornea more readily than epinephrine. Enzymes in ocular tissues convert dipivefrin into its active form, epinephrine. In concentrations approximately one‐tenth that of epinephrine, topically applied dipivefrin therefore produces: (1) similar intraocular concentrations of epinephrine; (2) similar reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP); (3) similar degrees of mydriasis; and (4) fewer extraocular and systemic side effects. For reasons that are discussed, dipivefrin should probably not be used in conjunction with anticholinesterases. Dipivefrin offers the same risk of cystoid macular oedema as does epinephrine. Dipivefrin is a safe, effective, and well‐tolerated alternative to epinephrine in the treatment of elevated IOP. It is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate epinephrine.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	147-150
Number of pages	4
Journal	Australian Journal of Opthalmology
Volume	8
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9071.1980.tb01673.x
State	Published - May 1980

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title = "DIPIVEFRIN: CURRENT CONCEPTS",

abstract = "Pro‐drugs are agents that require biotransformation prior to exhibiting pharmacologic activity. Dipivefrin (dipivalyl epinephrine or DPE) is an epinephrine pro‐drug produced by the addition of two pivalic acid groups to the parent compound. This creates a more lipophilic molecule which penetrates the cornea more readily than epinephrine. Enzymes in ocular tissues convert dipivefrin into its active form, epinephrine. In concentrations approximately one‐tenth that of epinephrine, topically applied dipivefrin therefore produces: (1) similar intraocular concentrations of epinephrine; (2) similar reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP); (3) similar degrees of mydriasis; and (4) fewer extraocular and systemic side effects. For reasons that are discussed, dipivefrin should probably not be used in conjunction with anticholinesterases. Dipivefrin offers the same risk of cystoid macular oedema as does epinephrine. Dipivefrin is a safe, effective, and well‐tolerated alternative to epinephrine in the treatment of elevated IOP. It is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate epinephrine.",

author = "Ivan Goldberg and Kolker, {Allan E.} and Kass, {Michael A.} and Bernard Becker",

year = "1980",

month = may,

doi = "10.1111/j.1442-9071.1980.tb01673.x",

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AU - Goldberg, Ivan

AU - Kolker, Allan E.

AU - Kass, Michael A.

AU - Becker, Bernard

PY - 1980/5

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N2 - Pro‐drugs are agents that require biotransformation prior to exhibiting pharmacologic activity. Dipivefrin (dipivalyl epinephrine or DPE) is an epinephrine pro‐drug produced by the addition of two pivalic acid groups to the parent compound. This creates a more lipophilic molecule which penetrates the cornea more readily than epinephrine. Enzymes in ocular tissues convert dipivefrin into its active form, epinephrine. In concentrations approximately one‐tenth that of epinephrine, topically applied dipivefrin therefore produces: (1) similar intraocular concentrations of epinephrine; (2) similar reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP); (3) similar degrees of mydriasis; and (4) fewer extraocular and systemic side effects. For reasons that are discussed, dipivefrin should probably not be used in conjunction with anticholinesterases. Dipivefrin offers the same risk of cystoid macular oedema as does epinephrine. Dipivefrin is a safe, effective, and well‐tolerated alternative to epinephrine in the treatment of elevated IOP. It is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate epinephrine.

AB - Pro‐drugs are agents that require biotransformation prior to exhibiting pharmacologic activity. Dipivefrin (dipivalyl epinephrine or DPE) is an epinephrine pro‐drug produced by the addition of two pivalic acid groups to the parent compound. This creates a more lipophilic molecule which penetrates the cornea more readily than epinephrine. Enzymes in ocular tissues convert dipivefrin into its active form, epinephrine. In concentrations approximately one‐tenth that of epinephrine, topically applied dipivefrin therefore produces: (1) similar intraocular concentrations of epinephrine; (2) similar reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP); (3) similar degrees of mydriasis; and (4) fewer extraocular and systemic side effects. For reasons that are discussed, dipivefrin should probably not be used in conjunction with anticholinesterases. Dipivefrin offers the same risk of cystoid macular oedema as does epinephrine. Dipivefrin is a safe, effective, and well‐tolerated alternative to epinephrine in the treatment of elevated IOP. It is particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate epinephrine.

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JO - Australian Journal of Opthalmology

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ER -

DIPIVEFRIN: CURRENT CONCEPTS

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