Comparative Study of Four Different Epinephrine Salts on Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

The use of topical epinephrine to reduce intraocular pressure in the medical management of open angle glaucoma is now well established.^1-5It has been suggested that epinephrine causes a reduced rate of aqueous production and also changes in the trabecular meshwork which lead to an increase in outflow facility.^1,2In most individuals these effects occur within four to five hours following a single dose of topical epinephrine.⁴ In order to overcome certain undesirable features of these agents, a number of salts of epinephrine in various concentrations are available for topical use.⁵The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the various forms of topical epinephrine on the intraocular pressure and outflow facility of normal and glaucomatous eyes. <h3>Method</h3> Epinephrine bitartrate 2% (Epitrate), epinephrine hydrochloride 2% (Glaucon), epinephrine borate 1% (Eppy), and epinephrine bitartrate 2% without preservatives (Vancouver General Hospital Pharmacy) were the four