Medications for Eye Conditions Flashcards
What are the 4 common routes of medication administration?
1) Topically
2) Systemic
3) Injections
4) Continuous-release delivery
Name 3 forms of medication used topically
1) Solution
2) Suspension
3) Ointments
What are the key characteristics of Solutions? (4)
They are a solid mixed with solvent, you do not need to shake them.
They have less contact with your eye-washed away with tears.
They do not make your vision blurry.
They need to be applied often.
What are the key characteristics of Suspensions? (2)
They are a solid mixed with a liquid.
They need to be shaken, often have ‘mix well before use’ on the packaging.
What are the key characteristics of Ointments? (5)
They are semi-solid, greasy, jelly-like, creamy.
They have more contact with your eye.
You do not need to apply as often.
They do blur your vision.
Apply ointments before bed.
What does it mean to take a drug systemically?
Taken orally or by injection subcutaneously (under the skin).
Why would someone take medication systematically rather than topically/locally?
Topically only reaches the anterior chamber whereas systematic reaches to the posterior chamber.
Name the 3 kinds of injections often used?
1) Subconjunctival
2) RetroBulbar
3) Intracameral
Expand on the subconjunctival injections.
It is administered under the conjunctiva.
Expand on the RetroBulbar injections.
It is injected through the skin of the lower lid, the point of the needle emerging behind the eyeball.
Expand on the Intracameral injections.
This is given into the anterior chamber at the start of cataract surgery to enhance patient comfort.
What does it mean to take medication using a Continues- Release delivery?
A disc or tiny capsule is implanted in the lower eyelid which slowly releases medications 24 hours a day for 7 days. Example medication is: Lacrisert.
What are the 5 basic requirements used when preparing medication?
1) Tolerance
2) Tonicity
3) Sterility
4) Stability
5) Penetration
Expand on Tolerance (5)
It is measured in pH which is the ideal acid base/ potential for hydrogen.
pH greater than 7 = alkaline
pH less than 7 = acidic
Tears pH level = 7.4 approx
Ophthalmic solutions are often between 3.5 and 10.5 to avoid irritation.
Expand on Tonicity (4)
This is the concentration of chemicals in the solution
Too many chemicals = hypertonic
Low in concentration = hypotonic
Saline solution has 0.9% sodium chloride equivalent, which is the same as tears.
Expand on Sterility (4)
This is the state of being free from bacterial contamination.
It is achieved by autoclaving/ bacterial filters
Preservatives are added to keep the solution sterile for longer
Once a bottle is open it is no longer considered sterile.
What do Preservatives do and name 2 commonly used preservatives?
Preservatives inhibit growth of fungi and bacteria, keeping the solutions sterile for longer.
Benzalkonium chloride + chlorobutanol
What is the main bacteria found in Dirty Water and soil?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Expand on Stability (2)
Opaque and dark bottles are often used to maintain stability because some medications react with light.
The eye ointments are prepped with petrolatum base or water soluble due to stability.
Expand on Penetration (3)
It goes directly to the cornea and anterior chamber of the eye
Does not go past the crystalline lens.
Drops usually have fat or water-soluble to help with penetration.
Name side effects of medication due to a Allergic Reaction (3)
Chemosis,
lid irritation,
redness
Name side effects of medication due to a Toxic Reaction (2)
Produce irreversible damage
Systemic Disturbances (glaucoma medication can cause cataracts or retinal detachment)
Six steps for writing a prescription
1) Name, address, date of rx
2) name of drug + percentage of concentration/dosage of each unit
3) amount of drug supplied - M/Mitte - quantity
4) Sig/ S what directions to label
5) Signiture of physician
6) Notation - refill/no refill etc
Name other side effects of medication (Not allergic/toxic reaction related) (3)
Raised IOP
Discolouration of the eye (conjunctiva - black spots)
Spread of infection (nozzle on bottle touching eyelash’s)
What are the abbreviations of the following:
1 - RX
2- od
3 - os
4 - ou
5- Sol
6 - Ung
1) take thou/ prescription
2) oculus dexter (right eye)
3) oculus sinister (left eye)
4) oculus uterque (both eyes)
5) solution
6) ointment
What does Mydriatic agents do and when are they used?
Dilates the pupil by relaxing the sphincter muscles (4-8 mm)
Intraocular exams so the doctor can see into the eye better
What does Cycloplegic agent do and when are they used?
Paralyses the ciliary muscles so accommodation can not occur and dilates the pupil.
generally used in children eye exams and iritis therapy.
What does Miotic agents do and when are they used?
Constricts the pupil by stimulating the sphincter muscles.
Used in glaucoma treatment to help with the flow of aqueous humour.
How are Topical Anesthetics applied and in what form?
They are dropped directly onto the eye in drop or ointment form and they desensitise the cornea.
When are Topical Anesthetics used? (2)
Surgeries
Removing of a foreign body
When are Injectable Anesthetics used and where?
Used in Ophthalmology
Used on the globe, eyelid, extra ocular muscles, eyelid muscles
What are some side effects of Injectable Anesthetics? (5)
Depress blood pressure
Depress respiration
Nervousness
Nausea
Breathing difficulty
