Prolonged mydriasis after inadvertent topical administration of the calcium channel antagonist amlodipine: implications for glaucoma drug development

Abstract

Context: Calcium channel inhibitors are being investigated as potential therapeutic adjuncts to reduce painful ciliary muscle spasm and control intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Relatively little is known about the effect of topical administration of calcium channel blockers in humans.

Objective: (1) To describe prolonged fixed pupil dilation resulting from exposure to topical amlodipine (2) to review the evidence that links calcium channel blockers with mydriasis and (3) to discuss the implications for glaucoma pharmacotherapy.

Design: Single interventional case report, literature review (including human and animal studies) and analysis of reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) records in the USA and UK.

Case: A 35-year-old female doctor presented to eye casualty with blurred vision and bilateral, fixed, dilated pupils. A history of exposure to liquid amlodipine while preparing a paediatric chemotherapy regimen for a neuroblastoma patient was elicited. The patient was reassured and observed.

Results: Pupil function returned to normal within 48 h. A multi-national review of adverse drug reactions reports was conducted, as well as an extensive literature search for case reports and experimental studies. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of amlodipine causing mydriasis and we discuss the potential molecular mechanism.

Conclusions: This case is the first to suggest that calcium channel blockers can cause prolonged mydriasis. These agents have been investigated as potential adjuncts in glaucoma therapy. As accidental topical exposure to amlodipine can cause prolonged pupil dilation, it could precipitate angle closure in predisposed patients.

• Accidental exposure
• amlodipine
• antagonist
• calcium channel blocker
• fixed dilated pupil
• glaucoma
• preparation
• pupil dilatation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Medicines Information Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for help in gathering adverse event data.

Declaration of interest

The authors do not have a conflict of interest to declare.