[New perspectives in glaucoma therapy with epinephrine and epinephrine derivatives (author's transl)]

Some problems of epinephrine use in glaucoma are summarized, including side effects and increased responsiveness in POAG. -- DPE is a pro-drug that differs from epinephrine by the addition of two pivalyl side chains. This alteration provides a more lipophilic compound which penetrates the corneal barrier 17 times better. -- Fifteen POAG patients took part in a single-dose trial in order to determine the mydriatic and IOP-lowering effect of 0.2% DPE. DPE 0.2% is a potent mydriatic and lowers IOP approximately 10 times as efficiently as epinephrine. In view of the lower dose a reduction in systemic and ocular side effects may be expected.