A randomized, placebo‐controlled study investigating the effects of moxaverine on ocular blood flow after oral administration in healthy subjects

Abstract

AbstractPurpose We know that several eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and AMD are associated with ocular perfusion abnormalities. In recent studies we have shown that intravenous administration of moxaverine is capable of increasing ocular blood flow in healthy subjects compared to placebo as well as in elderly people with healthy eyes and in patients with eye diseases associated with hypoperfusion. In the present study we hypothesized that oral moxaverine may increase ocular blood flow.Methods In this placebo‐controlled, two‐way crossover study 16 healthy subjects received 900 mg moxaverine‐hydrochloride, administrated per os in 3 equal doses, and placebo. Outcome variables were measured at BL and 5 hours after first drug administration. Choroidal and optic nerve head blood flow (ONHBF) were assessed with laser Doppler flowmetry and blood velocities in the retrobulbar vessels were measured with color Doppler imaging.Results No parameter showed any difference between moxaverine and placebo. The p‐values of ANOVA testing between moxaverine and placebo were as follows: Choroidal blood flow (p=0.52), ONHBF (p=0.54), peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the ophthalmic artery (p=0.33), end diastolic velocity (EDV) in the ophthalmic artery (p=0.58), PSV in the posterior ciliary arteries (p=0.38), EDV in the posterior ciliary arteries (p=0.26), PSV in the central retinal artery (p=0.35), EDV in the central retinal artery (p=0.51).Conclusion Our results indicate that oral moxaverine, in contrast to systemic moxaverine, does not increase ocular blood flow. This may be related to the relatively low bioavailability of moxaverine after oral administration.