dapiprazole
Dapiprazole is an eye drop medication that belongs to the drug class called alpha-receptor blockers. It causes your pupils to become smaller (constrict). This medication is used to get your pupils back to normal size after certain eye exams or surgeries that require pupil dilation (widening). Side effects can include eye irritation, like redness and burning. Note: Dapiprazole is no longer available in the U.S. It was discontinued not for safety reasons but because of its slow effect.
What is Dapiprazole?
What is Dapiprazole used for?
- Reversing dilated pupils after an eye exam or surgery
How Dapiprazole works
Dapiprazole is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. It blocks proteins on the dilator muscle in the eye. This allows the eye muscle to relax. As a result, your pupil gets smaller and returns to normal size after eye exams or surgeries that require pupil dilation (widening).
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Rev-Eyes |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Discontinued |
Side effects of Dapiprazole
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Eye redness (over 80%)
- Burning sensation in the eye (about 50%)
- Drooping eyes (10-40%)
- Eyelid redness or swelling (10-40%)
- Eye swelling (10-40%)
- Itchy eyes (10-40%)
- Light sensitivity (10-40%)
- Browache (10-40%)
- Headache (10-40%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
Pros and cons of Dapiprazole
Pros
- Typically requires only a few drops to work
- Given by a provider, so you don't have to worry about proper administration
- Doesn't affect eye pressure
Cons
- Can cause redness and burning in the eyes
- Might worsen vision at night or in low lighting
- Can't give to people with sudden inflammation in the eye (acute iritis)
Pharmacist tips for Dapiprazole
- If your eye exam or procedure finishes in the early evening and it's already dark outside, don't drive or do activities in the dark right after your provider has placed dapiprazole in your eyes. Have someone drive you after your appointment because the medication might affect your vision and make it hard for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
- It's common to have eye redness after you get dapiprazole, but this should go away in about 20 minutes. Tell your provider if it continues longer.
- Before your eye exam or procedure, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It isn't known whether dapiprazole is safe for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Risks and warnings for Dapiprazole
Dapiprazole can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Poor vision in low lighting
Dapiprazole makes the pupils of your eyes smaller, which can make it harder for you to see in the dark. Be careful if you're planning to drive at night or do other activities in poor lighting because you might not see as well.
Dapiprazole dosage
Typical dosage for Dapiprazole
Your provider will place the dapiprazole eye drops into your eyes after your eye exam or surgery.
The typical dose is 2 drops into each eye, then an additional 2 drops into each eye 5 minutes later.
Dapiprazole contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dapiprazole will not be safe for you to take.
- Acute iritis (sudden inflammation of the eye)
