EFFECT OF TOPICAL KETANSERIN ADMINISTRATION ON INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE

The effect of topical ketanserin on intraocular pressure (IOP) in norm otensive and hypertensive eyes was evaluated. The study was performed on 10 healthy volunteers and 10 glaucomatous patients. Systolic arteri al blood pressure (SBP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DBP), hear t rate (HR), IOP, tonographic outflow facility, pupil diameter, cornea l thickness, and tear secretion were recorded at baseline and at 1 hou r intervals for 12 hours after topical administration of 0-5% ketanser in or placebo, given in a randomised, double masked, crossover fashion . The alternative treatment was given 1 week later. In all subjects ke tanserin significantly lowered IOP, while no variations in SBP, DBP, H R, pupil diameter, corneal thickness and tear secretion were found. Wh en subjects received placebo no significant variations of IOP occurred . Total outflow facility, measured by conventional tonography, increas ed significantly after drug administration in all subjects. Ketanserin is effective up to 6 hours in control subjects and 9 hours in glaucom atous patients. The placebo did not induce any change in this componen t of the aqueous humour dynamic in normal or in glaucomatous eyes. The findings indicate that topical ketanserin might be added to the list of antiglaucomatous agents.