Effect of Calcium Channel Blockers on Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

We determined the effects of either topical or systemic calcium channel antagonists on rabbit intraocular pressure (IOP). Topical nifedipine, verapamil or diltiazem had no significant effect on IOP. Intravenous verapamil and nifedipine caused statistically significant reductions in IOP between 2 and 6 h after administration; the nifedipine response followed an increase in IOP at 30 min. Diltiazem, given 3 times daily for 3 days, caused no pressure change. In the rabbit, therefore, calcium channel antagonists have no effect when given topically, but do reduce IOP when given systemically.

Effect of Lomerizine, a New Ca2+Channel Blocker, on the Microcirculation in the Optic Nerve Head in Conscious Rabbits: a Study Using a Laser Speckle Technique

“…Previous reports have indicated that systemic administration of some Ca# + channel blockers either has no effect or causes a mild, but significant, reduction in IOP in conscious or anesthetized rabbits (Green and Kim, 1977 ;Beatty et al, 1984 ;Payne et al, 1990). In particular, Payne et al (1990) found that i.v. administration of verapamil or nifedipine caused a significant reduction in IOP between 2 and 6 hr after their administration in rabbits.…”

Comparative Study of Topical Application of Timolol and Verapamil in Patients With Glaucoma Within 6 Months

“…16 However, Segarra and colleagues have stated topical application of verapamil and nifedipine lowers IOP in conscious rabbits. 17 Another study demonstrates that calcium channel blockers in combination with antiglaucoma medications signifi cantly lower IOP in the primate eye.…”

The Effect of Diltiazem on the Healing of Traumatic Urethral Inflammation

“…Both of these inhibitions may be partially reversed with verapamil [11]. Calcium channel blockers have widespread physiological and pharmacological actions [12][13][14]. In wound healing, calcium antagonists have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and activation, chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblast response [15][16][17].…”