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Nabilone: a pressure-reducing synthetic benzopyran in open-angle glaucoma
Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Nabilone effectively reduced intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and rabbits. Topical ophthalmic nabilone demonstrated significant IOP reduction in rabbits, though tolerance developed over time.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid analog.
- Glaucoma is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of nabilone in reducing intraocular pressure.
- To investigate the effects of topical ophthalmic nabilone in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of nabilone (0.5-2 mg) to glaucoma patients.
- Topical ophthalmic administration of nabilone solution (0.1 mg/drop) to rabbits.
Main Results:
- Oral nabilone reduced IOP by 10%-54% (average 28%) in patients.
- Topical nabilone lowered IOP by an average of 25% in rabbits.
- Peak effect in rabbits was 60 minutes; IOP normalized by 180 minutes. Tolerance developed in rabbits after one week.
Conclusions:
- Nabilone shows potential for managing elevated intraocular pressure.
- Topical nabilone is effective in lowering IOP in rabbits, but tolerance is a concern.