α-1 adrenoreceptor antagonists: intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS)
Cataract surgeons should check past or current use of α-1 adrenoreceptor antagonists for prostatic hypertrophy before surgery.
Article date: August 2007
Data has accumulated to suggest that intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) is a possible class effect of α-1 adrenoreceptor antagonists, which are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. IFIS is a newly identified syndrome that can lead to surgical complications during cataract surgery.
An association between IFIS and the α-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist tamsulosin has previously been identified and advice communicated to healthcare professionals.[footnote 1] [footnote 2] A warning is now being added to the product information for all α-1 adrenoreceptor antagonists, advising patients to inform their cataract surgeon about past or current use of these medicines before surgery to ensure that appropriate measures are in place should IFIS occur.
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Article citation: drug safety update August 2007; Vol 1, Issue 1: 4-5.