Effect of nebulized ipratropium bromide on intraocular pressures in children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of nebulized ipratropium bromide on intraocular pressures and pupillary responses in children with asthma.


METHODS
A double-blind, randomized, crossover study.


METHODS
Children's Hospital of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba.


METHODS
Age 6 to 17 years with asthma.


METHODS
Nebulized ipratropium bromide added to albuterol sulfate, albuterol alone, or saline solution was given by face mask and nebulizer. Before and 0.5 h after nebulization, intraocular pressures (mm Hg), pupillary size (mm), and pupillary responses were measured. In a subsequent open study, patients who had been admitted to hospital with acute asthma who were treated with nebulized ipratropium bromide were recruited for measurement of intraocular pressures, pupillary size, and pupillary responses.


RESULTS
Twenty patients completed the double-blind study, and 26 patients completed the open study. There were no changes in intraocular pressures, pupillary size, or pupillary response after any treatment on any study day in either the double-blind or the open studies.


CONCLUSIONS
In children with asthma, who have no pre-existing ocular abnormalities, the risk of an adverse reaction to nebulized ipratropium bromide delivered by face mask inadvertently absorbed in the eye is extremely small.
Watson
W T
WT
Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Shuckett
E P
EP
Becker
A B
AB
Simons
F E
FE
D000293:Adolescent; D000336:Aerosols; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D009241:Ipratropium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects
D000336:Aerosols; D009241:Ipratropium; D000420:Albuterol