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February 10, 2012
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Understanding Glaucoma Medications (cont.)

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Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

  • Generic/trade names: Acetazolamide (Diamox), brinzolamide (Azopt), dorzolamide (Trusopt), methazolamide (Neptazane, GlaucTabs)

  • How carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work: These drugs reduce the rate of aqueous humor formation.

  • Who should not use these medications

    • Persons allergic to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or sulfonamides.

    • Persons with liver or kidney disease

    • Persons with severe lung obstruction

    • Persons with inadequate adrenal function
  • Use: These drugs are given as eyedrops, pills, and, for glaucoma emergencies, injections.

  • Drug or food interactions: When administered systemically, such as with pills or injections, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may decrease therapeutic levels of lithium and alter the body’s elimination of amphetamines, quinidine, phenobarbital, or aspirin.

  • Side effects: Individuals with liver disease may become comatose. Eyedrops may cause irritation of the eyelids.

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