OCULAR PHARMA DEFINITION TERMS

Question 1

Block or stop the action of a receptor or chemical in the body.
Example: A drug that blocks adrenaline from acting is an adrenergic antagonist.

Answer 1

antagonists

Question 2

Mimic acetylcholine, causing pupil constriction (miosis) and increased outflow of aqueous humor.
Used in glaucoma to lower IOP.
Example: Pilocarpine

Answer 2

cholinergic agents

Question 3

Mimic adrenaline (epinephrine) and stimulate adrenergic receptors.
Some reduce aqueous production, others increase outflow.
Example: Brimonidine (alpha-2 agonist used in glaucoma)

Answer 3

adrenergic agonists

Question 4

Stop or slow down a specific enzyme or process.
Often used to reduce aqueous humor production in glaucoma.
Example: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Answer 4

inhibitors

Question 5

Help reduce inflammation (swelling, redness, pain).
Types:
Steroids (like prednisolone)
NSAIDs (like ketorolac)
Used to treat conditions like uveitis or post-surgery inflammation.

Answer 5

anti-inflammatory agents

Question 6

Block beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing aqueous humor production = lower IOP.
Used in glaucoma.
Example: Timolol
Often end in “-ol”

Answer 6

beta blockers

Question 7

Block the carbonic anhydrase enzyme in the ciliary body, which leads to less aqueous production.
Used to lower IOP.
Examples: Dorzolamide (topical), Acetazolamide (oral)

Answer 7

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs)

Question 8

Mimic prostaglandins to increase uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor = lower IOP.
Usually 1st line in glaucoma.
Examples: Latanoprost, Travoprost
Often end in “-prost”

Answer 8

prostaglandin analogs

Question 9

are natural chemical messengers (lipid compounds) in the body.
They’re involved in inflammation, pain, fever, and smooth muscle function.
They act locally, meaning they don’t travel far in the bloodstream.

Answer 9

prostaglandin

Question 10

Medications that mimic the effects of prostaglandins, used to treat glaucoma. Example: Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Answer 10

prostaglandin analogs

Question 11

Medications that stimulate alpha receptors, used to treat glaucoma or redness. Example: Brimonidine (Alphagan)

Answer 11

alpha agonists

Question 12

Medications that constrict the pupils, used to treat glaucoma or other conditions. Example: Pilocarpine

Answer 12

miotics

Question 13

Medications that dilate the pupils, used for eye exams or certain conditions. Example: Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)

Answer 13

mydriatics