Ocular Pharmacology Flashcards
True or false: physiological barriers prevent the penetration of systemically-administered drugs into the eye at therapeutic concentrations.
True.
Although, in an inflamed eye, drug penetration may be greater.
Name the properties of a topical drug which permits penetration of corneal epithelium and stroma into the anterior chamber.
A molecule with hydro- and lipophilic properties gives best absorption.
Fat-soluble drugs readily cross the corneal epithelium but not the corneal stroma. Water-soluble drugs cannot penetrate the corneal epithelium but can cross the stroma.
The endothelium presents only a minor barrier.
Which two properties favour ocular absorption of systemically administered drug?i
High lipid solubility and low molecular weight.
Give two examples of eye disease where topical treatment may be supplemented by subconjunctival injection.
- Acute anterior uveitis
2. Bacterial keratitis
True or false: the treatment of intraocular bacterial infection does not frequently involve the injection of ABx directly into the globe.
False; it does frequently involve direct injection into the globe.
True or false: the risk of ocular side effects from drugs administered systemically (for non-ocular disease) is rarely great and is usually outweighed by clinical therapeutic necessity.
True.
What are the adverse effects of amiodarone on the eye?
Corneal deposits (vortex keratopathy) - Tom had these with his AF Rx
What are the adverse effects of antiepileptics on the eye?
Ocular motility dysfunction
What are the adverse effects of benzhecol, benztropine and atropine on the eye?
Pupillary dilatation (risk of angle closure glaucoma)
What are two adverse effects of systemically-administered corticosteroids on the eye?
- Cataract
2. Glaucoma
What are the adverse effects of digitalis on the eye?
Abnormal colour vision
What are the adverse effects of ethambutol and quinine on the eye?
Optic neuropathy
What are two adverse effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine on the eye?
- Retinal degenerative change (“bull’s eye macula)
2. Corneal deposits
What are the adverse effects of opiates on the eye?
Pupillary constriction
What are three adverse effects of phenothiazines on the eye?
- Retinal oedema
- Pigmentary retinopathy
- Ocular motility dysfunction
What are the adverse effects of sulphonamides and NSAIDs on the eye?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
What are the adverse effects of tamoxifen on the eye?
Pigmentary neuropathy
What are 5 types of drugs used in glaucoma treatment (where different types of glaucoma require different therapeutic approaches)?
- Beta blockers (timolol, carteolol, betaxolol, levobunolol)
- Muscarinic (parasympathetic) stimulants (pilocarpine)
- Alpha-2 stimulants (brimonidine, apraclonidine)
- Latanoprost
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (systemic = acetazolamide; topical = dorzolamide).
*all are topical except where indicated
How do beta blockers work to treat glaucoma?
Reduce aqueous secretion by inhibitory action on beta-adrenoreceptors in the ciliary body.
How do muscarinic (parasympathetic) stimulants/agonists work to treat glaucoma?
Increase aqueous outflow via trabecular meshwork by ciliary muscle contraction.
How do alpha-2 stimulants/agonists work to treat glaucoma?
Reduce aqueous secretion by selective stimulation of alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the ciliary body and increase outflow vis uveoscleral route.