Influence of Norethynodrel With Mestranol on Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma

Abstract

We have recently reported¹ that daily oral administration of norethynodrel with mestranol, 5 mg, to patients with open-angle glaucoma appears in the course of two or more weeks to induce statistically significant reduction of intraocular pressure. To make sure that we had not recorded a nonspecific placebo effect rather than a pharmacological one, the present controlled, double-blind study was undertaken. Method Coded prescriptions for norethynodrel with mestranol, in dosage of 5 mg daily by mouth, were given to patients with open-angle glaucoma in the Glaucoma Consultation Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Those whose tensions were dangerously elevated, who had extensive field defects, or who were considered unreliable were excluded from the study. Patients continued to receive whatever antiglaucoma therapy they were taking. Coded prescriptions for the study drug were filled by the hospital pharmacist who, unknown to patient and physician, substituted an inert but identically appearing placebo