Alocaine

  I have a member of my Chapter who recently had his ocular pressure tested for glaucoma. Alocaine was apparently used as a local. He claims to have experienced icreased symptoms of Myashtenia Gravis, and was subsequently told by an RN that Alocaine stimulates acetylcholine receptors, resulting in an exacerbation of the MG. I have never come across this before, and was wondering about its veracity.
  If this is indeed true, does it also apply to the other '-caine' meds?
  Thank you for your courtesies.
  Jim Burke, Chair
  E. Central Fl. Chapter
  Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
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Thanks for the question Jim. We generally tell patients that any medication can make their MG worsen and to let us know if it does so we can tell them to avoid that class of medications in the furure. We have seen patients specifically with ocular MG who have had transient worsening of their symptoms after the use of eye drops. The mechanism is thought to be some type of depolarizing block. Theses medications are not contraindicted but with all medications patients should be careful. Hope this helps.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic or treatment options of your specific medical condition.