Pholedrine

Pholedrine

Pholedrine (also known as Paredrine or Paredrine Hydrochloride) is a vasoconstrictor and mydriatic agent. It is a sympathomimetic amine that acts predominantly by direct stimulation of adrenergic receptors.

Chemistry

Pholedrine is chemically classified as a phenethylamine, a class of compounds that also includes other therapeutic agents such as ephedrine and amphetamine. It is a synthetic compound, and its chemical structure is similar to that of other sympathomimetic amines.

Pharmacology

Pholedrine acts by stimulating the adrenergic receptor, which results in vasoconstriction and dilation of the pupils (mydriasis). It is used in the form of eye drops for diagnostic purposes in ophthalmology, particularly for the detection of Horner's syndrome.

Clinical Use

In ophthalmology, Pholedrine is used as a diagnostic tool. It is administered as eye drops to induce mydriasis, which aids in the examination of the retina and other internal structures of the eye. It is also used in the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome, a condition characterized by ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), miosis (constriction of the pupil), and anhidrosis (lack of sweating).

Side Effects

Like other sympathomimetic amines, Pholedrine can cause a range of side effects. These may include hypertension (high blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and palpitations. It can also cause headache, dizziness, and anxiety. In rare cases, it can cause severe cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke.

See Also

• Adrenergic receptor
• Vasoconstrictor
• Mydriatic
• Phenethylamine
• Ephedrine
• Amphetamine
• Horner's syndrome