BNF - Chapter 11-15 - Low Weighted Chapters Flashcards
What eye preparations are available?
- Drops
- Gels
- Ointments
What counselling advice should you give if patient has to use two different eye drops?
Space out with a five minute interval and for longer if gel is being used.
If a combination of either eye drops, gels or ointment is being used, which one should you apply last?
Apply ointment last
What additional counselling advice can you give to patients for eye preparations?
- Wash hands before use
- Keep eyes closed as long as possible
- Patient may experience transient blurred vision, especially with eye ointments - apply at night.
DO not drive until vision is clear
What are the general expiry dates of eye preparations depending on the environment or setting it is being used in?
Home use = 28 days
Hospital use = 4 weeks (local practice may vary)
Outpatient/ surgery = single application
Which drugs given systemically may affect contact lens patients?
These include drugs which can cause corneal oedema (e.g. oral contraceptives–particularly those with a higher oestrogen content), drugs which reduce eye movement and blink reflex (e.g. anxiolytics, sedative hypnotics, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants), drugs which reduce lacrimation (e.g. older generation antihistamines, phenothiazines and related drugs, some beta-blockers, diuretics, and tricyclic antidepressants), and drugs which increase lacrimation (including ephedrine hydrochloride and hydralazine hydrochloride). Other drugs that may affect contact lens wear include isotretinoin (can decrease tolerance to contact lens), aspirin (can cause irritation), and rifampicin and sulfasalazine (can discolour lenses).
how many types of contact lenses are there?
2 types
Hard lenses
Soft lenses
With which type of lenses can you still use eye drops?
With hard lenses - can still use eye drops whilst wearing the lenses
What about if the patient has soft lenses (silicone hydrogel)?
- Remove lenses before using eye drops or use preservative-free eye drops; drugs and preservatives can accumulate in the lenses
Which eye preparations would you never wear lenses during use?
- Ointments never use when wearing lenses and also oily eye drops
Which two drugs can stain contact lenses orange?
Rifampicin and sulfasalazine
Which eye drops drugs are used for allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies)?
- Sodium cromoglicate (mast cell stabiliser)
- Antazoline, azelastine (antihistamine)
- Xylometazoline, Naphazoline (vasoconstrictors reduce redness)
Which ingredients are used for dry eyes?
- Hypromellose = applied hourly
- Carmellose = applied QDS
Which ingredient is used for bacterial conjunctivitis?
Chloramphenicol eye drops/ointment
Which ingredient is used for viral conjunctivitis?
Aciclovir - 5 times a day until 3 days after healing
Which cream may be used for bacterial blepharitis?
Fusidic acid cream for staphylococcal infection
in which eye conditions may topical corticosteroid be used in?
Steroid glaucoma and cataracts
What does topical corticosteroid eye preparations increase the risk of?
Increased risk of infections and aggravates existing infections e.g. if used in ‘red eye’ caused by HSV can lead to corneal ulcers and blindness
What is used for corneal ulcers?
There is a possibility of blindness
Intensive antibiotic course with ciprofloxacin is needed
What is used to dilate pupils for eye examinations/ procedures?
Cycloplegics/ Mydriatics
Antimuscarinincs e.g. Atropine
Phenylepherine - MAOI interaction and risk of hypertensive crises
What does antimuscarinics do?
They paralyse ciliary muscle - DO not drive until vision is clear
Name two mast cell stabilisers used in eye preparations for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis?
- Sodium cromoglicate
- Lodoxamide
Name a NSAID used in eye prepartions for the prophylaxis and treatment of post-operative pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery?
Nepanfenac
When is ciclosporin (immunosupressant - calcineurin inhibitor) eye preparations used?
In severe dry eyes disease that has not responded to treatment with tear substitutes (initiated by a specialist)
Name some ingredients used for dry eyes?
- Acetylcysteine
- Carbomers (e.g. viscotears, carbomer 980)
- Carmellose sodium (e.g. Celluvisc)
- Hydroxymethylcellulose
- Hypromellose
- Liquid paraffin with white soft paraffin and wool alcohols (Xailin night eye ointment)
- Paraffin yellow soft (Liquid paraffin)
- Polyvinyl alcohol (Liquifilm tears/ sno tears)
- sodium chloride
- Sodium hyaluronate (e.g. Hycosan, blink intensive)
- soybean oil
Which microorganism is blepharitis usually caused by?
- staphylococci
What is bacterial conjunctivitis usually caused by?
Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Haemophilus influenzae.
What may keratitis be caused by?
Keratitis may be bacterial, viral, or fungal; it can also be caused by Acanthamoeba (parasite).
What is the treatment for anteroir bacterial blepharitis?
Anterior bacterial blepharitis is treated by application of an antibacterial eye ointment (such as chloramphenicol) to the conjunctival sac or rubbed into the lid margins, if blepharitis is not controlled by eyelid hygiene alone. Systemic treatment (e.g. tetracyclines in patients over 12 years of age) may be required in patients with posterior blepharitis. Treatments can be intermittently stopped and restarted, based on the severity of the blepharitis and drug tolerance.
Are most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis self-limiting?
Yes and resolve within 5-7 days without treatment
Is endophthalmitis a medical emergency?
YEs
Are antifungal preparations for the eye available?
Not generally available
For bacterial eye infections eye preparations containing which drugs may be used?
- Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin and tobramycin)
- Cephalosporin (second generation - Cefuroxime)
- Macrolides (Azithromycin)
- Quinolone - (Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin)
- Chloramphenicol (a potent broad-spectrum antibiotic)
Is fusidic acid a broad or narrow spectrum antibiotic?
Narrow spectrum used for staphylococcal infections.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders characterised by a loss of visual field associated with pathological cupping of the optic disc and optic nerve damage
What are the causes of glaucoma?
While glaucoma is generally linked to raised intra-ocular pressure, which is the main treatable risk factor, it can also occur when the intra-ocular pressure is within the normal range. Other risk factors include age, family history, ethnicity, corticosteroid use, myopia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
What is the most common form of glaucoma?
An open-angle glaucoma (also known as primary open-angle
glaucoma)
where drainage of the aqueous humour through the trabecular meshwork is restricted, and the angle between the iris and the cornea is normal.
What is considered as having ocular hypertension?
AN intra-ocular pressure greater than 21mmHg
What are people with ocular hypertension at higher risk of developing?
- Chronic open-angle glaucoma
Is acute angle-closure glaucoma common?
They are less common and occur when the outflow of aqueous humour from the eye is totally obstructed by bowing of the iris against the trabecular meshwork.
What is closed angle glaucoma characterised by?
It is characterised by its abrupt onset of symptoms, and it is a sight-threatening medical emergency that requires urgent reduction of intra-ocular pressure to prevent loss of vision.
What is the aim of treatment of glaucoma?
The aim of treatment is to control intra-ocular pressure to prevent the development or progression of glaucoma and subsequent visual field damage, or sight loss.
What is the first-line treatment in patients with intra-ocular pressure of 24mmHg or greater and who are at risk of visual impairment within their lifetime?
- A topical prostaglandin analogue
Latanoprost
Tafluprost
Travoprost
Bimatoprost (a synthetic prostamide)
Do patients who are not at risk of visual impairment within their lifetime require treatment>
No - but should be monitored regularly.
What if the initial treatment with a topical prostaglandin analogue is not well tolerated?
- An alternative prostaglandin should be tried before switching to a topical beta-blocker such as:
- Betaxolol
- Levobunolol
- Timolol
What if treatment is still not well tolerated what is the next alternative option?
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors -
- Brinzolamide
- Dorzolamide
Alternatives as either monotherapy or combination therapy with drugs from different therapeutic classes (topical beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or topical sympathomimetics), should also be offered to patients with an intra-ocular pressure of 24 mmHg or more whose current treatment is not reducing intra-ocular pressure sufficiently to prevent the risk of progression to sight loss.
What is the treatment steps for chronic open-angle glaucoma?
1) Topical prostaglandin analogues (Latanoprost, trafluprost or bimatoprost)
2) topical beta-blocker (betaxolol, levobunolol, timolol)
OR
Carbonic anahydrase inhibitor (brinzolamide or dorzalamide)
Or
a topical sympathiomimetic (apraclodinide or brimonidine)
or a combination of these should be offered
What are alternative non-pharmacological treatment options for chronic open angle glaucoma?
Alternative treatment options are laser trabeculoplasty or surgery with pharmacological augmentation (with mitomycin [unlicensed indication]).
What is a contraindication for beta blocker eye drops?
Asthma
What is a side effect of prostaglandin analogoue eye drops that patients should be counselled on?
Can cause long eye lashes and darker iris colour
Is carbonic anhydrase inhibitors also diuretics?
Yes
Which carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used for glaucoma is only available as tablet (taken orally)
Acetazolamide
List the topical beta-blockers available to be used in open angle glaucoma/ reduce intra-ocular pressure?
- Betaxolol
- Levobunolol
- Timolol
Name the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used in closed angle galucoma/ reduce intra-occular pressure?
- Acetazolamide (Taken orally)
- Brinzolamide
- Dorzalamide
Name one parasympathomimetic used as a eye drop?
Pilocarpine
List the prostaglandin analogues used in open-angle glaucoma/ intra-occular pressure?
- Latanoprost
- Tafluprost
- Travoprost
- Bimatoprost
When are protaglandin analogues preferable to be administered?
In the evening
Name the sympathomimmetics (alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonists) used in intra-ocular pressure/ open agnle galucoma?
- Apraclonidine
- Brimonidine
Can closed angle glaucoma be treated in primary care?
Closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency
What are the symptoms of closed angle glaucoma?
- Cloudy eye, nausea and vomiting, headache, intense eye pain, blurred hazy vision, sight loss, rainbow-coloured rings around lights
What age does age-related macular degenration occur?
In people aged 55 years and over
How many types of age-related macular degeneration are there?
Two types
dry and wet
What is dry age-related macular degenration?
Dry (non-neovascular) age-related macular degeneration progresses slowly as extensive wasting of macula cells occurs
What about with wet (neosvascular) age-related macular degeneration?
new blood vessels develop beneath and within the retina, and can lead to a rapid deterioration of vision.
What is wet age-related macular degeneration further classified as?
Wet age-related macular degeneration is further classified as wet-active (neovascular lesions that may benefit from treatment) and wet-inactive (neovascular disease with irreversible structural change).
Summarise the treatment for age-related macrovascular degeneration?
Counselling and support, advice on Smoking cessation, and use of visual aids is recommended in all patients with age related macular degeneration as appropriate.
An intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), such as aflibercept, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab [unlicensed use], is first-line treatment for patients with wet-active age-related macular degeneration who have a visual acuity between 6/12 and 6/96. If visual acuity is less than 6/96, anti-VEGF treatment should only be given if the patient’s overall visual function is likely to improve (e.g. if the affected eye is the patient’s better-seeing eye). Anti-VEGF treatment should only be administered by healthcare professionals experienced in the use of intravitreal injections. See also National funding/access decisions for aflibercept and ranibizumab.
What does otitis externa refer to?
Inflammation of the external ear canal which in some cases may involve oedema
- Primarily caused by bacterial infection
It is important to consider underlying otitis media as otitis externa may be secondary to otorrhoea from otitis media.
What solution acts as a stringent in the external ear canal?
A solution of acetic acid 2% acts as an astringent in the external ear canal by reducing the pH and reducing bacterial and fungal cell growth
It may be used to treat mild otitis externa and is comparable to an anti-infective combined with a corticosteroid; efficacy is reduced if treatment extends beyond 1 week.
How long can a topical anti-infective with or without corticosteroid be used for in otitis externa?
These are used for a minimum of one week but if symptoms persist they can be used until they resolve, up to a maximum of 2 weeks
What can prolonged use of topical anti-infective affect?
Prolonged and extensive use of topical anti-infective or corticosteroid treatment may affect the flora in the ear canal, increasing the risk of fungal infections
In view of reports of ototoxicity, treatment with topical aminoglycosides is contraindicated in patients with what?
With a perforated tympanic membrane (eardrum)
Baseline assessment of what should be performed before commencing treatment?
Baseline audiometry should be performed, if possible before treatment is commenced
What is used for severe pain in otitis externa?
For severe pain associated with otitis externa, a simple analgesic, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, is usually sufficient; codeine phosphate may be used for severe pain.
Are oral antibacterial indicated for otitis externa?
Rarely indicated
Is acute otitis media self-limiting?
Yes and mainly affects children
What is acute otitis media characterised by?
t is characterised by inflammation in the middle ear associated with effusion and accompanied by the rapid onset of signs and symptoms of an ear infection. The infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria; often both are present simultaneously.
What doe children with acute otitis media usually prhildren and their carers should be reassured that antibacterial drugs are usually not required.esent with?
usually present with symptoms such as ear pain, rubbing of the ear, fever, irritability, crying, poor feeding, restlessness at night, cough, or rhinorrhoea. Symptoms usually resolve within 3 to 7 days without antibacterial drugs and they make little difference to the development of complications such as short-term hearing loss, perforated eardrum or recurrent infection.
Children and their carers should be reassured that antibacterial drugs are usually not required.
When should an immediate antibacterial drug be given to a child for otitis media?
An immediate antibacterial drug should be given if the child is systemically very unwell, has signs or symptoms of a more serious illness, or is at high risk of complications such as significant heart, lung, renal, liver or neuromuscular disease, immunosuppression, cystic fibrosis, or young children who were born prematurely.
An immediate antibacterial drug can also be considered if otorrhoea (discharge following perforation of the eardrum) is present, or in children under 2 years of age with bilateral otitis media.
What is otitis media with effusion (glue ear)?
is characterised by the collection of fluid within the middle ear without any signs of inflammation. It occurs most frequently in children, often in those aged 2 to 5 years; it is the most common cause of hearing impairment in children
Which children is glue ear more common in?
It is more common in children with cleft palate, Down’s syndrome, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and allergic rhinitis.
Whats the treatment for glue ear in children?
Children with otitis media with effusion should be observed (for 6–12 weeks) as it commonly resolves spontaneously. Systemic antibacterials, antihistamines, mucolytics, decongestants, and corticosteroids are not recommended due to lack of evidence supporting their use.
Referral to a specialist in certain circumstances (including in children with Down’s syndrome and cleft palate) are warranted to avoid complications such as severe hearing impairment, and communication and developmental difficulties.
What is another name for earwax?
Cerumen
What can ear wax be softened using?
Ear wax can be softened using simple remedies such as olive oil ear drops or almond oil ear drops; sodium bicarbonate ear drops are also effective, but may cause dryness of the ear canal
The drops can be used three to four times daily for several days. Lying down with the affected ear uppermost, ear drops are instilled before waiting for 5 minutes.
Ear irrigation to remove wax should be avoided in what age?
In children under the age of 12
Cana person who has hearing in one ear only have ear irrigated?
No - because even a slight risk of damage may lead to permanent deafness
Which aminoglycosides can be used for otitis externa?
- Framycetin
- Gentamicin
- Neomycin
Which quinolone can be used for otitis externa?
- Ciprofloxacin
Can chloramphenicol be used for otitis externa?
YEs
What do many nasal preparations contain that may irritate the nasal mucosa?
- Sympathomimetic drugs
What may be used as nasal irrigation in allergic rhinitis for modest symptom reduction, and to reduce the need for other drug treatment.?
Sodium chloride 0.9% solution
What is mild allergic rhinitis controlled by?
Antihistamines or topical nasal corticosteroids
Which are faster acting, topical antihistamines or oral antihistamines?
Topical antihistamines (e.g. azelastine hydrochloride) are faster acting than oral antihistamines and therefore useful for controlling breakthrough symptoms in allergic rhinitis; they are less effective than topical nasal corticosteroids.
What can topical nasal decongestant be used to allow?
Topical nasal decongestants can be used for a short period to provide quick relief from congestion and allow penetration of a topical nasal corticosteroid.
Are systemic nasal decongestants good at reducing nasal obstruction?
Systemic nasal decongestants are weakly effective in reducing nasal obstruction but have considerable potential for side-effects, and therefore are not recommended.
What can be added to allergic rhinitis treatment when watery rhinorrhoea persists despite treatment with topical nasal corticosteroids and antihistamines
Nasal Ipratropium (SAMA) - has antimuscarinic effects
Can topical nasal corticosteroids be used when there is a nasal?
No
Which nasal corticosteroids have higher absorption?
The extent of absorption varies between steroids; mometasone furoate and fluticasone have negligible systemic absorption, others have modest absorption, whilst betamethasone has high systemic absorption and should only be used short-term.
What should be monitored in children getting corticosteroids?
The growth of children receiving treatment with corticosteroids should be monitored; especially in those receiving corticosteroids via multiple routes.
Can nasal corticosteroids be used in pregnancy?
Yes - safety hasn’t been established through clinical trials - only minimal amounts of nasal corticosteroids are systemically absorbed
. Beclometasone dipropionate, budesonide, and fluticasone are widely used in asthmatic pregnant women; fluticasone has the lowest systemic absorption when used intra-nasally
Are decongestants recommended in pregnancy?
No, however, some antihistamine and sodium cromoglicate may be used
What can elimination of organisms such as staphylococci from the nasal vestibule can be achieved by the use of?
Antimicrobial preparations such as chlorhexidine with neomycin (Naseptin)
Or a nasal ointment Mupirocin (bactroban) if naseptin is unsuitable or ineffective
In hospitals or in care establishements what can be used for the eradication of nasal carriage of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
Mupirocin (Bactroban)
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses
Is acute sinusitis (Rhinosinusitis) self-limiting?
Yes - usually triggered by a viral upper-respiratory tract infection such as the ‘common cold’.
What do patients with acute sinusitis usually present with?
Patients with acute sinusitis usually present with symptoms of nasal blockage or congestion, nasal discharge, dental or facial pain or pressure, and reduction or loss of the sense of smell.
Symptoms of sinusitis usually improve within how many days without requiring treatment?
2-3 weeks
Whats the recommendation for patients with sinusitis for 10 days or less?
Patients presenting with symptoms for around 10 days or less, should be given advice about the usual duration of acute sinusitis, self-care of pain or fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen, and when to seek medical help. Patients should be reassured that antibiotics are usually not required. Some patients may try nasal saline or nasal decongestants, however there is limited evidence to show they help to relieve nasal congestion.
What is the other name for dry mouth?
Xerostomia
What is dry mouth a result of?
Resulting from reduced saliva secretion
Which drugs may dry mouth be casued by?
- antimuscarinics, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and some diuretics.
What else can dry mouth be caused by?
It can also be caused by irradiation of the head and neck region, dehydration, anxiety, or Sjögren’s syndrome.
Patients with dry mouth may be at greater risk for developing what?
Patients with dry mouth may be at greater risk of developing dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral infections (particularly candidiasis).
What simple measures may stimulate salivation?
such as frequent sips of cold unsweetened drinks, or sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free fruit pastilles, or chewing sugar-free gum.
What can be considered if simple stimulatory measures are inadequate?
An artificial saliva substitute can be considered if simple stimulatory measures are inadequate. The acidic pH of some artificial saliva products may be inappropriate for some patients as it may damage the enamel of natural teeth. Artificial saliva products are available in oral lozenges, oral gel, oral spray, and pastille forms.