Effects of Eye-Drop Combination of 0.5% Phenylephrine and 0.5% Tropicamide in Controlled Hypertensive Patients

Rungroj Lerdvitayasakul M.D.
Taweekit Nimvorapun M.D.
Tarinee Sa-ngiampornpanit M.D.

ABSTRACT : Purpose : To determine the effects of eye-drop combination of 0.5% phenylephrine and 0.5% tropicamide commercially available as a mydriatic drug in controlled hypertensive patients
                     Methods : Two groups of 50 controlled hypertensive patients were studied by instillation of combination drug and 1% tropicamide as a controlled group. Two drops of drug were instilled at 5 minutes interval. Blood pressure, pulse rate and pupil diameter were measured immediately before instillation and 5, 15 and 30 minutes following instillation of the second drop
                     Results : Ninety percent of group using combination drug achieved pupil diameter 7 mm. or greater after 30 minutes of second drop instillation, pupil diameter with this combination drug were greater than 1% tropicamide group especially in diabetic patients. No significant hypertensive and pulse rate response were found.
                     Conclusions : Eye-drop combination of 0.5% phenylephrine and 0.5% tropicamide provides a convenient, effective and save mydriatic drug for fundus examination in controlled hypertensive patients.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2002 ; January-June 16(1) : 9-14.