Ophthalmic Drugs

Question 0

Cyclosporine (Restasis)

Answer 0

Immunosuppresant - Used for dry eye sxs.
0.05% solution
MOA - T cell inhibition allowing for decreased inflammation and better tear production
SFx: Local irritation, very limited systemic absorption.

Question 1

Fluorescein

Answer 1

Dye for staining surface of eye to inspect for abrasions or irritation. Most often seen in dry strips which are touched to the mucosa. Will stain contact lenses.

Question 2

Tetrahydrozoline (Visine)

Answer 2

Ocular astringent, reduces redness. Delivered as topical solution
MOA - vasoconstriction via alpha agonist.
SFx: Local irritation, rebound eye redness.

Question 3

Azelastine (Optivar)

Answer 3

Ocular antihistamine. Blocks H1 receptor sites. Applied as topical solution.
SFx: Local irritation, very limited systemic absorption.

Question 4

Ketorolac (Acular)

Answer 4

Ocular NSAID. Topical solution.
MOA - COX inhibition.
SFx: Local irritation, very limited systemic absorption. DOES NOT have increased risk of cataract development (unlike ocular steroids)

Question 5

Bacitracin-Polymyxin B (Polysporin Ophthalmic)

Answer 5

Antibiotic. Used for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, corneal ulcers, styes, infected tear ducts. May be a solution or ointment.
MOA - inhibits bacterial cell wall protein synthesis
SFx: local irritation (esp. from preservatives), limited systemic absorption)

Question 6

Vidarabine (Ara-A)

Answer 6

Antiviral specific for HSV (relatively ineffective for Zoster)
Used for herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis. May be ointment or solution.
MOA - inhibits viral DNA synthesis.
SFx: Local irritation

Question 7

Timolol (Timoptic)

Answer 7

Ocular B-blocker.
Used for glaucoma. May be solution or gel. QD or BID.
MOA - blocks epi action in eye, reducing the production of aqueous humor.
SFx: Systemic absorption may occur and cause worsening of asthma, emphysema, low blood pressure, fatigue or impotence.

Question 8

Latanoprost (Xalatan)

Answer 8

Selective prostaglandin receptor agonist.
MOA - increases uveoscleral outflow which reduces intraocular pressure.
SFx: Local irritation, darkening of iris, lenghtening, thickening and darkening the eyelashes.

Question 9

Additional glaucoma tx options

Answer 9

Miotic agents (eg: pilocarpine) which contract ciliary muscles, tightening the trabecular meshwork and allowing increased outflow of aqueous humor. These agents are cholinergic agonists (parasympathomimetics)