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The mydriatic effect of topical glycopyrrolate

  • Laboratory Investigation
  • Published:
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Abstract

• Background

Glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic agent that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, has several indications, but its mydriatic effect has never been tested. This study was carried out in order to compare the mydriatic effect of glycopyrrolate 0.5% to that of atropine sulfate 1%.

• Methods

Glycopyrrolate 0.5% and atropine 1.0% were instilled separately in the eyes of albino rabbits. Pupil diameter and intra-ocular pressure were monitored.

• Results

Mydriasis was noted within 5 min of glycopyrrolate instillation, reached near-maximal level at 15 min and persisted for 1 week. Glycopyrrolate 0.5% showed a faster, stronger and more peristent mydriatic effect than atropine 1.0%. Administration of glycopyrrolate 0.5% solution b.i.d. for 1 week did not affect intra-ocular pressure or produce any adverse reaction.

• Conclusion

Glycopyrrolate solution has the potential to deliver an ocular anticholinergic effect without causing associated central anticholinergic hazards.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Ichilov Hospital, 6 Weizman Street, 64239, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    David Varssano & Moshe Lazar

  2. Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    Shlomo Rothman & Keren Haas

Authors
  1. David Varssano
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  2. Shlomo Rothman
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  3. Keren Haas
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  4. Moshe Lazar
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Varssano, D., Rothman, S., Haas, K. et al. The mydriatic effect of topical glycopyrrolate. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 234, 205–207 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00462034

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00462034

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