Abstract
Purpose: :
Topical pilocarpine has been used as an ophthalmologic agent for decades. Miosis and ocular hypotension are the well–known ocular effects of this preparation. Oral pilocarpine (Salagen) has recently been approved for the treatment of dry mouth (xerostomia). However, the influence of this drug formulation on the pupil diameter and intraocular pressure has not been reported so far. We investigated the effect of Salagen on the pupil diameter and intraocular pressure in 32 glaucomatous eyes of 22 patients.
Methods: :
Patients received a single dose of Salagen (oral pilocarpine hydrochloride 5.0 mg). Intraocular pressure and pupil diameter using a NeurOptics digital infrared pupillometer were measured before and 4 hours after dosing. The measurements were performed according to a fixed schedule including a phase without medication to determine the baseline level.
Results: :
The mean (+/– SE) intraocular pressure and pupil diameter were 32.3+/–8.1 mmHg and 4.51+/–1.22 mm before treatment, respectively. After Salagen, the mean intraocular pressure reduction was 3.78+/–4.8 mmHg (10%, p<0.0001) and the mean reduction of pupil diameter was 0.05+/–0.28 mm (1.8%).
Conclusions: :
Salagen did not lead to miosis in glaucoma patients. Although the statistical analysis shows some small significant decrease in intraocular pressure, it is not beneficial in the management of glaucoma patients. The intraocular pressure lowering effect of Salagen has to be investigated in further studies with larger study populations.
Keywords: intraocular pressure • pupil • drug toxicity/drug effects