About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 10, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
...
3
4
5
6
7
...
Next»

Understanding Glaucoma Medications (cont.)

Medical Author:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Richard W Allinson, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Robert H Graham, MD

Miotics

  • Generic/trade names: Carbachol (Carbastat, Carboptic, Isopto Carbachol, Miostat Intraocular), pilocarpine (Ocusert Pilo-40, Pilocar, Pilagan, Piloptic, Pilostat)

  • How miotics work: These drugs cause the pupil to become much smaller in diameter and relieve pressure by increasing outflow of aqueous humor.

  • Who should not use these medications

    • Persons allergic to pilocarpine

    • Persons with inflammation (swelling) of the eye

  • Use: Various dosage forms are available, including eyedrops, ocular inserts (inserted in the eye once a week), and ocular gel.

  • Drug or food interactions: If administered with prostaglandin eyedrops, wait at least 10 minutes—preferably, 1 hour—between applying the two drugs.

  • Side effects: Miotics should be used with caution in persons with corneal abrasion(s) and in those with a history of retinal detachment. An increase of blood in the eye may occur in individuals allergic to pilocarpine.

brimonidine (Alphagan), dipivefrin (AKPro, Propine)

  • How adrenergics work: These drugs lower intraocular pressure by reducing the amount of aqueous humor produced. They also reduce resistance to outflow of aqueous humor.

  • Who should not use these medications: These drugs should not be used by individuals allergic to adrenergic eyedrops.

  • Use: These drugs are given as eyedrops.

  • Drug or food interactions: Additive effects occur when adrenergics are used with other drugs that lower intraocular pressure.

  • Side effects: Adrenergics may cause macular edema (swelling of the macula, the center part of the retina) and eye irritation.

    • Next Page:
    Adrenergics»
    «Previous
    1
    ...
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    ...
    Next»
    Privacy Policy

    WebMD Daily

    Get breaking medical news.




    Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

    Glaucoma, Unilateral: Treatment & Medication »

    While any type of glaucoma can be unilateral, primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma, primary infantile glaucoma, juvenile-onset glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma are generally bilateral diseases, the severity of which may be asymmetric in the two eyes.

    Read More on Medscape Reference »

    Featured Topics

    Topics Related to Understanding Glaucoma Medications

    Eye and Vision Topics

    Medical Dictionary


    or A-Z List
    Use Pill Finder Find it Now

    Pill Identifier on RxList

    • quick,
      easy,
      pill identification

    Find a Local Pharmacy

    • including
      24 hour
      pharmacies