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Mydriatic Response to Topical Naloxone in Opiate Abusers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

A. H. Ghodse ,
T. H. Bewley ,
M. K. Kearney  and
S. E. Smith
A. H. Ghodse
Affiliation:
Terminal Care Support Team
T. H. Bewley
Affiliation:
Terminal Care Support Team
M. K. Kearney
Affiliation:
Terminal Care Support Team
S. E. Smith*
Affiliation:
St. Thomas' Hospital Medical chool (UMDS), London SE1 7EH
*
Correspondence
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Abstract

Naloxone hydrochloride eyedrops 1 mg/ml dilated the pupils of 36 out of 47 opiate addicts on methadone maintenance treatment, without precipitation of acute withdrawal effects, but not those of healthy unmedicated subjects. The response in addicts was attenuated by certain ancillary treatments and by withdrawal of methadone treatment. The size of the response suggests some potential clinical use for topical naloxone as a diagnostic test of current opioid influence and possibility of physical dependence. The local mydriatic response, which was restricted to the treated eye, indicates that the effect of opiates on the pupil in man is determined, at least in part, by a peripheral action.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 148 , Issue 1 , January 1986 , pp. 44 - 46
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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