title: Ocular effects of selective alpha-adrenergic agents: a new drug paradox?
abstract: Alpha-adrenergic drugs can alter pupil size as well as intraocular pressure (IOP) when administered topically to the eye. Recent experiments using the more selective alpha-adrenergic agents suggest that these responses may be mediated by at least three subtypes of alpha-adrenergic receptors. These studies have also given rise to an apparent paradox because both agonists and antagonists cause a lowering in IOP.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha