THE INFLUENCE OF DROP SIZE OF CYCLOPENTOLATE, PHENYLEPHRINE AND TROPICAMIDE ON PUPIL DILATATION AND SYSTEMIC SIDE-EFFECTS IN INFANTS

In this prospective study, microdrops (mean drop volume 5.6 mu l) and commercially available standard drops (mean drop volume 35.4 mu l) of cyclopentolate, phenylephrine and tropicamide's clinical efficacy and systemic side effects were compared. Sixty-one infants requiring diagn ostic pupil dilatation were studied for pupillary diameter, systemic b lood pressure, heart rate and skin flushing changes related to the ins tillation of mydriatic drops. Both microdrops and standard drops of th e drugs produced significant increase in pupillary diameter compared w ith the baseline (p < 0.01). In cyclopentolate and phenylephrine group s, there was no significant pupillary diameter changes between microdr ops and standard drops (p > 0.05). Mean blood pressure increased signi ficantly in infants given standard drops. There was no significant cha nge in the group that was given microdrops. In our opinion, reduced vo lume of mydriatics can prevent possible side effects.