Tag: Cholinergic agents

The size of our pupils is controlled by a delicate balance in the autonomic nervous system, with constricted pupils (miosis) often serving as a significant clinical clue, especially in toxicology. The most notorious and clinically relevant answer to **what drug induced pinpoint pupils?** is the use or overdose of opioids, although several other substances and conditions can also cause this effect.

The size of our pupils is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, and approximately 55% of patients in one ICU study showed smaller pupils when receiving fentanyl, an opioid. A notable side effect of several drug classes is pupillary constriction (miosis), and understanding which group of medications causes pupillary constriction is critical for accurate diagnosis and clinical management, especially in overdose situations.

Miotics have been used in eye care for over a century, primarily to treat conditions like glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure [1.4.5]. So, what are the side effects of miotic agents that patients should be aware of?

Miosis, or pupillary constriction, is a key diagnostic sign often associated with certain substances; notably, it's a classic indicator of opioid use, with "pinpoint pupils" being a hallmark of overdose [1.7.3]. Understanding **which drugs cause miosis** is crucial for both clinical assessment and patient safety.