Effects of benactyzine hydrochloride on dynamic vision functions

We have investigated the effects of an anticholinergic drug, benactyzine HCl on vision and vision function. Our experiments assess the time course and severity of benactyzine effects on visual acuity for static and moving targets, amplitude and dynamics of accommodation, pupil response to light and the spatial contrast sensitivity function. A single dose of the drug (4.14 mg/70 kg body weight, which is within the therapeutic range) and placebo were administered intramuscularly to 12 subjects. Large and significant decrements in visual function were demonstrated after the administration of benactyzine, particularly for those functions performed at near focus. The drug effect was rapid in onset, beginning 7-10 min after injection, peaked at approximately 30-40 min, and declined to baseline values over the next 2 h. The drug increased pulse rate and blood pressure, and induced an intoxicated state involving loss of concentration, attention, and short-term memory.