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dapiprazole

Generic Rev-Eyes

Used for Pupil Dilation

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.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 1, 2023

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Contraindications References Prices Medicare

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).

Are you looking for information on aripiprazole (Abilify) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRev-Eyes (brand name no longer available)

Drug ClassAlpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityDiscontinued

What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

Dry eyes
Watery eyes
Blurry vision

Source: DailyMed

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.

Frequently asked questions about Dapiprazole

When is dapiprazole used?

Dapiprazole is used after an eye exam or surgery to reverse the effects of medications that dilate the eyes, such as phenylephrine or tropicamide. It's usually given by your provider at an office, clinic, or hospital.

Is Rev-Eyes still available?

No, the Rev-Eyes brand-name product and generic dapiprazole aren't available anymore. The medication was discontinued in the early 2010s. It wasn't discontinued because of safety concerns or because it didn't work well. But it appears to have been discontinued because of its slow effect. Studies found that it could take up to 7 hours or more to get your pupils back to their usual size after people were given dapiprazole eye drops.

How long does it take dapiprazole to reverse dilated eyes?

Studies showed that dapiprazole starts reversing the effects of eye dilation after 1 hour. But it might take several hours before your pupils completely return to their usual size. The color of your eyes can also affect how long this takes. A study found that it could take up to 7 hours for light-colored eyes (blue or green) to go back to their usual size and even longer for brown eyes after using dapiprazole.

How long does it take for dapiprazole to wear off?

The effects of dapiprazole should wear off after it completely brings your pupils back to their usual size and restores your eyes' natural ability to adjust to light and darkness. Studies suggest that it could take up to 7 hours or more for dapiprazole to get your pupils back to their usual size. If you're wondering about when the side effects of dapiprazole will wear off, any eye redness typically lasts for about 20 minutes. Talk to your provider if you're still having side effects after this time.

Will dapiprazole affect my eye pressure?

Dapiprazole shouldn't affect your eye pressure if you've been told that you have normal or high eye pressure. It isn't FDA approved to lower eye pressure or treat open-angle glaucoma (an eye condition that's related to having high pressure in the eye). Speak to your provider about the treatment options for you if you have a problem with eye pressure.

How often can dapiprazole be given to me?

Generally, dapiprazole is used as a one-time treatment after your eyes are dilated. Sometimes, you might need the medication again if you're scheduled for another exam or procedure. Dapiprazole can't be used on the same person more than once a week, so let your provider know if you were given this medication within a week of your exam or procedure.

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What are the 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 forms

Typical dosing 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)

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References

Best studies we found

Baradaina, LLC. (2022). Dapiprazole kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

Connor, C. G., et al. (1993). The clinical efficacy of Rev-Eyes in reversing the effects of pupillary dilation. Journal of the American Optometric Association.

Federal Register. (2013). Determination that REV-EYES (dapiprazole hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.5%, was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

View All References (3)

Inxight Drugs. (n.d.). Dapiprazole. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Wilcox, C. S., et al. (1995). Comparison of the effects on pupil size and accommodation of three regimens of topical dapiprazole. British Journal of Ophthalmology.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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