Dipivefrin is a prodrug of which catecholamine?

Prepare for the Ophthalmic Medications Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance your understanding. Gear up for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Dipivefrin is a prodrug of which catecholamine?

Explanation:
Dipivefrin is a prodrug designed to penetrate the eye more effectively. The dipivaloyl groups make it more lipophilic, so it crosses the cornea readily. Inside the eye, ocular esterases convert it to the active catecholamine epinephrine. That epinephrine is what lowers intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing outflow. The other substances listed are not produced from dipivefrin, so epinephrine is the active metabolite responsible for its effect.

Dipivefrin is a prodrug designed to penetrate the eye more effectively. The dipivaloyl groups make it more lipophilic, so it crosses the cornea readily. Inside the eye, ocular esterases convert it to the active catecholamine epinephrine. That epinephrine is what lowers intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing outflow. The other substances listed are not produced from dipivefrin, so epinephrine is the active metabolite responsible for its effect.

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