Thymoxamine versus pilocarpine in the reversal of phenylephrine-induced mydriasis

Thymoxamine, a selective alpha-adrenergic blocker, was compared with pilocarpine in 19 patients for its reversal of phenylephrine-induced mydriasis. Both agents constricted the pupil to its original size in less than half an hour, and thymoxamine's half-life was twice that of pilocarpine's. The advantages of thymoxamine miosis, particularly in patients with narrow angles, are discussed.