Effect on the eye of instillations of a ten per cent solution of pseudo-ephedrine.

Abstract

Summary

1. Pseudoephedrine in a 10 per cent solution is an uncertain mydriatic and cycloplegic. The age of the individual does not seem to be a factor. There does exist, however, an individual difference, probably due to a variation in the rate of the absorption of the drug.

2. The action of pseudoephedrine upon the eye is like that of homatropine, rather than like adrenalin, which it closely resembles chemically.

3. In 10 per cent solution pseudoephdrine is slightly toxic when instilled into the eye.

4. There is no clinical evidence that pseuodephedrine contracts the blood vessels as does ephedrine which confirms the laboratory studies upon frogs performed by M. Fujii. 2

5. Pseudoephedrine in a 10 per cent solution apparently has no place in the treatment and examination of ophthalmic diseases. A stronger solution would undoubtedly be a more active mydriatic and cycloplegic but would be too toxic to justify its use.

6. The results of these experiments do not wholly agree with those of Lewin-Guillery. 3