Evaluation in Systemic Adverse Reactions after Instillation of Phenylephrine HCI

ABSTRACT

Phenylepherine HCI widely used as a mydriatic and vasoconstrictor, have been generally considered safe and innocuous. But hypertension caused by instillation of phenylepherine HCI is frequently reported, and even severe systemic adverse reactions, such as myocardial in farction, sudden death etc. are reported, recently. For the purpose of studying alteration of B.P. and systemic adverse reactions that are caused by instillation of phenylephrine HCI. we divided 42 patients into 2 groups; group 1 includes 20 patients who are instilled once a drop of 10% phenylephrine HCI viscous solution into the conjunctival cul-de-sac of bOth eyes, group 2 includes 22 patients who are instilled twice a drop at 2 minute intervals. We observed alteration of B.P. and systemic adverse reactions in both groups, next made a comparative study, and mydriatic effect too. The results was generally there was no severe reaction, but marked increase of B.P. that statistically significant was observed in 3 patients. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups. In mydriatic effect, the significant difference was not observed between the 2 groups or according to the age. When a clinician does its instillation, he should keep possible adverse reactions in mind. and especially in cardiac disease, hypertensjon, aneurysms, advanced arteriosclerosis, infants and the elderly etc., who have much chance of accompanying severe adverse reactions, he should use phenylepherine HCI cautiously. (this time it is desirable that he use low percentage of phenylepherine HCI).