Evaluation of Five New Cycloplegic Drugs

IN A SEARCH for an ideal cycloplegic agent, five new anticholinergic drugs have been evaluated at the Research and Refraction Departments of the Wills Hospital. Methantheline bromide (banthine®; β-diethylaminoethylxanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide)¹ D-2 (2,2-diphenyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-1,3-dioxolane methobromide)² Three drugs all of which are esters of disubstituted acetic acids and are known for the time being as Compound 75 G. T., Compound 92 G. T., and Compound 93 G. T.³ PRESENT INVESTIGATION Drug Testing. —Solutions were instilled into the conjunctival sac of the unanesthetized eye of white albino and chinchilla rabbits. The effect on the pupillary size and light reflex was observed. The duration of mydriasis was noted. If satisfactory mydriasis was produced with no local irritation, human studies were considered. Weak dilutions were instilled in human eyes, preferably eyes with blue irides. If cycloplegia was noted, then solutions of various strengths were used in the eyes of dark-skinned Negroes. The patients were given