ophthalmic drugs: anti-glaucoma Flashcards
list the 5 categories of drugs used to treat glaucoma
- Prostaglandin agonists
- Beta receptor antagonists
- Alpha 2 receptor agonists
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- Cholinergic agonists
all target different processes
which 2 ways can you bring IOP down
- by inhibiting aqueous production
or - by enhancing aqueous drainage
what are the 2 drainage pathways
- conventional pathway via the trabecular meshwork and canal of schlemm
or - uveoscleral pathway - 30%
where is the production of aqueous from
the ciliary body
what do patients with early to moderate glaucoma damage still retain
good central visual function
what is the aim for therapy used on glaucoma patients
to maintain ‘target IOP’ ie IOP that is expected to prevent further glaucomatous damage
what are most patient with OAG initially treated with and what is the other option
topical medication (start with single eyedrop, then adding other drops or using multiple therapies) other option is Laser trabeculoplasty
what is the name of a incisional surgical treatment for glaucoma and when is it considered
trabeculectomy may be considered in advanced glaucoma or high IOP
how much is IOP lowered by with glaucoma drugs and how much of aqueous does this correspond to
IOP lowered by 20-35%
corresponds to approx. 5 - 7mmHg
what is the normal episcleral venous pressure
8-10mmHg
what is the normal aqueous formation rate
2-3uL/min
what is the normal outflow facility of aqueous
0.2-0.3uL/min/mmHg
what is the mechanism of action with the topical anti-glaucoma drugs: CAI’s, α receptor agonists, and βreceptor antagonist
Reduce aqueous production
what is the mechanism of action with the topical anti-glaucoma drugs: cholinergics, bimatoprost
Increase outflow through the trabecular meshwork (the conventional method)
what is the mechanism of action with the topical anti-glaucoma drugs: PG agonists, brimonidine
Increase uveoscleral flow
what is the mechanism of action with the systemic anti-glaucoma drug: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and β receptor antagonists
Reduce aqueous production
tablets: Diamox or Dorzolamide
what is the mechanism of action with the systemic anti-glaucoma drug: mannitol, glycerol
Osmotic agents i.e. they pull water out of the vitreous
when are the systemic anti-glaucoma drugs used
- as a last option for people who are on maximum eye drops and their pressure is still too high
- used to treat acute angle closure attack when IOP really high and want to bring it down rapidly in A&E
list the 5 categories of anti-glaucoma drugs from highest to lowest efficacy
- Prostaglandin agonists
- Beta antagonists
- Alpha 2 agonists
- Cholinergic agonists
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
which drug is the first choice for IOP reduction in OAG and newly diagnosed patients with glaucoma
Prostaglandin agonists
by which mechanism do Prostaglandin agonists work to reduce IOP
Increase uveoscleral outflow, reducing IOP by 25-33%
after how long from administration do Prostaglandin agonists reduce IOP and when is its peak effect
within 2-4 hours of administration
with peak effect 8-12 hours
how often should Prostaglandin agonists be administered
One drop preferably in the evening
which is an advantage as only one drop per day
what other drug is Prostaglandin agonists available with as a fixed combination
Timolol (beta antagonist)
list the 3 main Prostaglandin agonist drugs
- Latanoprost (Xalatan)
- Travoprost (Travatan)
- Tafluprost (Saflutan)
what is the trade name for the Prostaglandin agonist - Latanoprost
Xalatan
list 7 side effects of prostaglandin agonists
- Hyperaemia
- Eyelash growth (hypertrichosis)
- Iris darkening
- Darkening of periocular skin
- Reactivation of HSK
- Cystoid macular oedema in aphakes/pseudophakes
- Avoid in pregnancy as prostaglandins can induce labour
how do beta receptor agonists work in order to reduce IOP
Block β receptors (sympathetic) in ciliary epithelium, reducing aqueous humour formation