The dose-response relationships of dipivalyl epinephrine in open-angle glaucoma.

The intraocular pressure responses of topically applied dipivalyl epinephrine (DPE: 0.025, 0.1, and 0.25%) were investigated in three series of open angle glaucoma patients in a double blind study. IOP responses were compared intra-individually with the effects of 1% epinephrine hydrochloride. 0.1% DPE gave an IOP reduction similar to that of 1% epinephrine-HCl. The change in IOP was less with 0.025% DPE and statistically significantly greater with 0.25% DPE when compared with the conventional epinephrine preparation. The clinical advantages of the 'pro drug' DPE are pointed out.