Related Experiment Videos
Lack of side effects from topically administered 10% phenylephrine eyedrops. A controlled study
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Topical phenylephrine hydrochloride and tropicamide eye drops did not significantly affect blood pressure or pulse rate in a double-blind study. Both agents showed no significant hypertensive effects compared to baseline measurements.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Topical phenylephrine hydrochloride is commonly used in ophthalmology.
- Concerns exist regarding potential systemic cardiovascular effects of topical ophthalmic agents.
- Tropicamide, a belladonna alkaloid, serves as a control due to its lack of vasopressor activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the systemic hypertensive effects of topical phenylephrine hydrochloride compared to tropicamide.
- To assess the impact of these ophthalmic agents on blood pressure and pulse rate.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blind, comparative study involving 100 participants receiving phenylephrine and 50 receiving tropicamide.
- Ophthalmic drops were administered to both eyes at specified intervals.
- Blood pressure and pulse rate were measured at baseline and at 5, 15, and 30 minutes post-administration.
Main Results:
- Both phenylephrine hydrochloride and tropicamide groups exhibited a decrease in mean blood pressure and pulse rate from baseline values.
- No statistically significant differences in blood pressure or pulse rate were observed between the phenylephrine and tropicamide groups throughout the study period.
Conclusions:
- Topically administered 10% phenylephrine hydrochloride does not produce significant systemic hypertensive effects.
- Ophthalmic phenylephrine and tropicamide appear to have comparable safety profiles regarding immediate cardiovascular impact.