Drugs used for glaucoma Flashcards

1
Q

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

A
  • high IOP (>21mmHg)
  • family history of glaucoma
  • race (African more likely to develop)
  • systemic hypertension
  • cardiovascular disease
  • migraine
  • previous ocular disease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is normal IOP?

A

12-16 mmHg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the cause of glaucoma?

A

Impaired drainage of aqueous humour - pressure of fluid in the eye builds up and exerts a greater pressure inside the eye (increased IOP)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the 2 types of glaucoma?

A
  • Primary
  • Secondary (from another eye condition)
  • can also be divided into open and closed angle - this lecture focuses on drugs that treat OPEN angle, closed angle tends to be treated with surgery
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Where is aqueous humour produced?

A

In epithelial cells of the ciliary muscle (large blood supply helping it to flow and be secreted out)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is meant by open angle?

A

Angle between iris and sclera

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is presented at the open angle?

A

Trabecular meshwork of cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What features does the trabecular meshwork have that allows aqueous humour to flow through?

A
  • lots of spaces between cells allowing humour flow
  • flows due to pressure in the anterior chamber being higher than in the episceral vein
  • allows 80% of aqueous humour to flow
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is another route of aqueous humour outflow?

A

Uveoscelral outflow route - bypasses trabecular meshwork and goes through the cells of the scelra and ciliary body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why is the Uveoscleral route less preferred to the trabecular route?

A

Cells of the sclera and ciliary body are more tightly packed together, meaning there is more resistance and pressure compared to the ‘holey’ trabecular meshwork.
Travels much more slowly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the aims in antiglaucoma treatment?

A
  • reduce IOP <16-20 mmHg
  • drug to have sufficient duration of action
  • provides:
    • Preservation of visual field
    • No loss of effect over time (lifetime treatment)
    • Compatibility with other treatments
    • No topical or systemic side effects
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What causes neuropathy and damage to vision?

A

high IOP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What patient compliance do eye drops have?

A

LOW - inconvenient, multiple uses per day, cause temporary blurred vision

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the first line treatment for glaucoma?

A

Prostaglandin and prostamide analogues

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What features does prostaglandin E have?

A

Has great control in production of aqueous humour - however is very unstable and breaks down quickly so cannot be used

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What prostaglandin is used as a drug ?

A

Prostaglandin F2alpha and its analogues.

It is an acid, less unstable than E

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the analogues of Prostaglandin F2alpha?

A
  • Latanoprost
  • Travoprost
  • Tafluoprost

*ESTERS - more stable, less charged, last longer in formulation. Unique mechanism to decrease IOP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the analogue of Prostamide F2alpha?

A

Bimatoprost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Where are prostaglandins produced?

A

Naturally in most cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What roles do prostaglandins play?

A

Decrease IOP - most efficacious

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Where do the Prostaglandin analogues act?

A

Via the FP receptor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What reaction needs to happen in order for the prostaglandin analogues to be able to work on the FP receptor?

A

The ester analogues need to be converted back to acids (converted by esterases in the cornea)
*this means the ester analogues are PRODRUGS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What type of receptor is the FP receptor?

A

G-protein-coupled receptor (G-alpha-q), so when analogues bind, it causes activation of phospholipase C , which will increase diacyl glycerol and triphosphate within tissue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Where are FP receptors present?

A
  • Predominantly Ciliary body & muscle, sclera
  • Iris sphincter
  • Trabecular meshwork cells (few present)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What characteristics do the prostaglandin analogues have?

A
  • prodrugs (need to be converted)
  • long duration of action (once daily preparation at night)
  • Greatest efficacy - can lower IOP up to 35%
  • well tolerated
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where do the Prostamide analogues act?

A

On FP receptors as well, however also work on more specific prostamide analogues present in higher concentrations in trabecular meshwork (better action)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What do prostamide analogues do?

A

Increase Uveoscleral and trabecular meshwork outflow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Is the prostamide analogue a prodrug?

A
  • NO - minor metabolism to bimatoprost acid

- Potent FP receptor agonist

29
Q

What is the efficacy and tolerability of the prostamide analogue?

A

Same as for prostaglandin analogues

30
Q

What is the mechanism of action for lowering IOP with prostaglandin/prostamide analogues ?

A
  • As FP receptors are highly expressed on ciliary body and scelra, we can increase uveoscleral outflow
  • Once receptors are stimulated, intracellular signalling causes a change in the structure of these cells
  • more enzymes are introduces (matrix metalloproteinases) to break down collagen and structure of scelral cells (to make more mesh-like)
  • When we get a decrease in collagen in the extracellular matrix, we get a decrease in structure, meaning more flexibility and less resistance of ciliary muscle to increase outflow aqueous humour flowing through cells
31
Q

What do matrix metalloproteinases do?

A

Break down collagen and structure of sceral cells to make more holey

32
Q

What are the side effects of prostaglandin/prostamide analogues?

A
  • Red eye (initial usage) - vasodilation
  • Increase pigmentation in iris, eyelashes & periocular skin (darker eyelashes)
  • Eyelash growth

Precipitate or worsen cystoid macular oedema in aphakic eyes (rare)

  • Sensitivity to light (rare)
  • Contraindicated in pregnancy (can induce labour)
    • Theoretical general effect on cell division
33
Q

Does glaucoma affect both eyes?

A

NO - usually only one, but drug side effects can affect both eyes

34
Q

What is the second line of glaucoma treatment?

A

Beta 2 receptor blockers

35
Q

What does B2 activation stimulate?

A

cAMP production (Gs coupled; activated adenylate cyclase)

36
Q

What does cAMP do?

A
  • INCREASES ion transport in cells in ciliary epithelium
  • cAMP activates Na+K+2Cl- cotransporter in pigmented epithelial cells
  • cAMP stimulates Cl- efflux in non-pigmented epithelial cells
37
Q

What happens when we have a greater efflux of ions across epithelial cells into the posterior chamber? (caused by b2 receptors)

A
  • cause an osmotic gradient
  • more fluid will flow into the posterior chamber and therefore more aqueous humour production

*BLOCKING this with b2 blockers will prevent/reduce aqueous humour production

38
Q

What do B2 blockers do?

A
  • Reduce aqueous humour production by blocking Na+K+2Cl- cotransporter, meaning a reduction of ions coming IN to non pigmented cells and a reduction of ions going OUT into the posterior chamber
  • This reduces humour volume flowing along gradient
  • reduced production and reduced drainage of aqueous humour
39
Q

What are the advantages of beta blockers?

A
  • Very well tolerated
  • Rapid onset of action
  • Effective in ~75% of patients
    • Lower IOP by 20-30%
  • Compatible with other drugs
40
Q

What are the disadvantages of beta blockers?

A
  • Can observe effects on treated AND untreated eye (systemic absorption)
  • Systemic side effects
  • Efficacy declines over time (doesn’t work as well as prostaglandin anagloues for chronic treatment)
41
Q

How often are beta blockers administered?

A

At least Twice daily or once daily with certain preparations

42
Q

What are the side effects of beta blockers?

A
  • Generally systemic
  • Cardiovascular (b2 receptors location)
    - Bradycardia, hypotension, peripheral vasoconstriction, impotence
    - Contraindicated in heart block, heart failure
  • Bronchial
    - Constricts bronchioles
    - Contraindicated in asthma & chronic obstructive airways disease
  • Diabetic
    • Masks hypoglycemia
43
Q

Are beta receptors used in glaucoma treatments specific?

A

NO, nonspecific, block b1 receptors too

44
Q

What are fixed dose combinations?

A
  • Multiple drugs with different mechanisms can be used at the same time to have additive effects.
  • Both drugs are formulated into one ‘drop’ (“FIXED”)
45
Q

What are the advantages of fixed dose combinations?

A
  • Patient compliance – only need to use 1 drop
  • Reduce exposure to preservatives (which can damage the eye with long term use)
  • Avoids washout effect of use of 2nd drop
  • Decreases cost of treatment
  • Decreases cost to patient – one prescription charge
46
Q

What is used as a 3rd line treatment in glaucoma?

A

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

47
Q

What preparations are available for carbonic anhydrase inhibitors?

A

systemic and topical use (systemic use limited to emergencies)

48
Q

What do carbonic inhibitors do?

A

Inhibit carbonic anhydrase in ciliary epithelium

49
Q

Where is the carbonic anhydrase enzyme expressed and why does this have bad effects?

A

Expressed in many major organs - blocking it has significant systemic side effects

50
Q

What reaction does carbonic anhydrase catalyse?

A

CO2 + H2O H2CO3 H+ + HCO3-

51
Q

Where are HCO3- (bicarbonate) ions excreted?

A

Into the posterior chamber, and when this happens, fluid follows these ions

52
Q

Therefore what effect does blocking the reaction catalysed by carbonic anhydrase have do?

A

Reduces aqueous formation and secretion, lowering IOP

53
Q

What systemic Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor is available?

A

Acetazolamide (not absorbed topically)

54
Q

What is Acetazolamide used in?

A

Open angle secondary glaucoma and peri-operatively in acute angle closure glaucoma (when IOP very highly elevated)

  • side effects limit use
  • short term use only (can be injected as a one off in emergencies)
55
Q

What are the side effects of Acetazolamide?

A
  • Sulfonamide derivative (Increased risk of allergy and blood disorders)
  • Enzyme present throughout body
    • Gastrointestinal problems
    • Diuresis
    • Acid / base balance disturbances
    • Drowsiness, depression
    • Parasthesias

HOWEVER, unlikely to get systemic side effects is administered directly to the eye

56
Q

How are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors made more specific, and what are examples of topical CAIs?

A

Make more selective – CA-2 enzyme
Led to Dorzolamide and brinzolamide (analogues)
Good lipid solubility

57
Q

What are topical CAIs used with?

A
  • Used in conjunction with beta blockers OR prostaglandin analogues
58
Q

How much reduction in IOP is seen with CAIs?

A

20% - less efficacious than other mechanisms

59
Q

What are the side effects of topical CAIs?

A
  • Transient burning, stinging (acidic drop)
    • pH brinzolamide drops 7.5
    • pH dorzolamide drops 5.6-6.0
  • Blurred vision, conjunctival hyperaemia, transient myopia, blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis
  • Taste disturbances, dry mouth, headache
60
Q

What is the 4th line treatment for glaucoma?

A

Alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonists

61
Q

Where are alpha 2 receptors expressed?

A

On the ciliary, conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells

62
Q

What are the advantages of alpha 2 adrenoceptors?

A
  • No mydriasis
  • No vasoconstriction
  • Little effect on CV system (because they are alpha 2 selective)
  • very few side effects
63
Q

What is the mechanism for alpha 2 adrenoceptors?

A
  • Decrease secretion of aqueous
    - Decreases cAMP (Gi coupled; inactivates adenylate cyclase)
    - Decreases ion transport – decrease in osmotic gradient and therefore aqueous humour
    - Decreases aqueous secretion
  • Decreases ultrafiltration – less fluid being filtered through from capillaries
    (reduced blood flow, vasoconstriction)
  • Increases uveo-scleral outflow
  • Neuroprotective?
    Optic nerve, retinal ganglion cells
64
Q

What are examples of alpha 2 adrenoceptors ?

A
  • Brimonidine
    • Selective for a2 receptors
    • Rapid onset with peak effect in ~2hours
  • Apraclonidine
    • Less selective for a2 receptors
      Short term use due to tachyphylaxis
    • Used post surgery to prevent rise in IOP following laser surgery
65
Q

What are the side effects and contra-indications for alpha2 adrenoceptors?

A
  • Local
    Allergy, stinging / burning
    Blurred vision, photophobia
  • Systemic
    Hypotension
    Drowsiness, fatigue
    Dry mouth, taste disturbances

Tend to only be used pre/post surgery

66
Q

What is the last class of drug used in glaucoma?

A

Parasympathomimetics

67
Q

What is an example of a Parasympathomimetics?

A

Pilocarpine

68
Q

What is the mechanism of pilocarpine?

A

Acts at M3 receptors (muscarinic agonist), binds to M3 and ciliary muscle contracts - pulls scleral spur which opens up trabecular meshwork - allows more drainage to occur by reduction in resistance

69
Q

How long does pilocarpine work for?

A

Effects last for 6 hours (cyclical reduction)

- not an ideal drug - needs to be used at least 4 times a day