[The effect of low concentrations of pilocarpine with phenylephrine on intraocular pressure in glaucoma (author's transl)].

Orientating preliminary trials showed that the reducing action of pilocarpine on intraocular pressure is considerably enhanced by adding the alpha-receptor stimulant phenylephrine. Pilocarpine eyedrops 1% and pilocarpine drops 1% with phenylephrine 0.25% were compared in two double-blind crossover studies. Pressure reduction was more pronounced after administering the combination, the width of the pupil remaining unchanged. Attention is drawn to the advantages of pressure reduction without narrowing of the pupils in the treatment of all types of open-angle glaucoma. Miosis is of therapeutical advantage only in angle-closure glaucoma; hence, for reasons of safety, administration of phenylephrine should be avoided.