Effect
These substances in the form of eye drops act via receptors that are also used by adrenaline. Accordingly, they cause all the effects of adrenaline, ranging from tachycardia, high blood pressure to sleep disorders and much more. Furthermore, the adrenergics also mediate a reduced production of aqueous humor and an accelerated outflow of the aqueous humor.
With regard to these two parallel mechanisms, a particularly rapid reduction in intraocular pressure can occur. Due to the rapid reduction of the aqueous humor and thus the lowering of the intraocular pressure, the adrenergics are often administered in cases of glaucoma and especially in cases of glaucoma attacks where a particularly rapid pressure normalization is required. Substances that could be used for this purpose: Dipivefrin (propine) and epinephrine (epinephrine). The eye drops should be taken 2-3 times a day. The washout time is 2-3 weeks.
Side effects
In addition to the adrenaline-like effects, such as fast pulse and high blood pressure, increased hair growth (hypertrichosis) and allergy can also occur. Furthermore, patients under adrenaline treatment sometimes complain of sleep disturbances, restlessness and trembling.
Contraindications
In patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation or a pulse that is too fast, adrenergic drugs should not be used and alternative preparations should be used instead.
