Glaucoma Pharmacology Flashcards

1
Q

What is the purpose of glaucoma drugs?

A

The purpose of glaucoma drugs is to lower intraocular pressure by decreasing the amount of aqueous humor. This is done be either decreasing aqueous humor synthesis or increasing its drainage.

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2
Q

What classes of drugs are used for glaucoma?

A
  1. alpha agonists
  2. beta blockers
  3. diuretics
  4. Cholinomimetics (M3)
  5. Prostaglandins
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3
Q

What are the alpha agonists used for glaucoma treatment?

A
  1. epinephrine (alpha 1)

2. brimodine (alpha 2)

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4
Q

What are adverse effects of alpha agonists?

A
  1. Mydriasis - this is due to alpha 1 effects, do not use in closed angle glaucoma
  2. blurry vision
  3. ocular hyperemia
  4. foreign body sensation
  5. ocular allergic reactions
  6. ocular pruritis
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5
Q

What are the beta agonists drugs used for glaucoma treatment?

A
  1. timolol
    betaxolol
    carteolol
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6
Q

What is the mechanism of action of beta agonists in glaucoma treatment?

A

Beta blockers decrease aqueous humor synthesis

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7
Q

What are adverse effects of beta blockers for treatment of glaucoma?

A

There are no vision or pupillary changes associated with the use of beta blockers in glaucoma treatment; therefore, these are the best to use!

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8
Q

What is the mechanism of action of acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, on glaucoma treatment?

A

Acetazolamide works by decreasing aqueous humor synthesis via inhibition of carbonic anhydrase.

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9
Q

What are the adverse effects of acetazolamide?

A

There are no pupillary or visual changes associated with acetazolamide.

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10
Q

What drugs are direct cholinomimetics (M3)?

A
  1. pilocarpine

2. carbachol

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11
Q

What drugs are indirect cholinomimetics?

A
  1. Physostigmine

2. Echothiophate

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12
Q

What is the mechanism of action of cholinomimetics (M3) for glaucoma treatment?

A

Cholinomimetics work by increasing outflow of aqueous humor via contraction of the ciliary muscle and opening of the trabecular meshwork.

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13
Q

Which cholinomimetic should be used in emergency situations?

A

Use pilocarpine in emergencies because it is very effective at opening the meshwork into the canal of Schlemm.

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14
Q

What are the adverse effects of cholinomimetics?

A
  1. Miosis –> contraction of the pupillary sphincter muscles.
  2. Cyclospasm –> contraction of the ciliary muscles
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15
Q

What prostaglandin drugs are used for glaucoma treatment?

A
  1. Bimatoprost

2. Iatanoprost (PGF2 alpha)

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16
Q

What is the mechanism of action of prostaglandin drugs in glaucoma treatment?

A

Prostaglandins increase the outflow of aqueous humor.

17
Q

What are the adverse effects of prostaglandin drugs with regard to glaucoma treatment?

A
  1. Darkens the iris (browning)

2. eyelash growth