Pharmacology Flashcards
How can drugs be administered into the eye?
Drops
Ointment
What can be added to a steroid to make it more hydrophobic?
Alcohol/Acetate
How may side-effects of eye-drops be prevented?
Punctal occlusion
Will prevent drops being absorbed systemically within the nasal cavity.
What is temporal arteritis?
Inflammation of the medium-sized muscular arteries.
Presents with headaches, a non-pulsatile temporal artery, and jaw claudication.
What is a complication of temporal arteritis?
Optic nerve infarction - a medical emergency.
How should temporal arteritis be managed?
High-dose systemic steroids
Will prevent progression to blindness.
What treatment should be avoided in patients with a red eye?
Steroids
Presentation may be due to dendritic ulcer, thus will cause corneal melt.
What medications can be used in the management of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis?
Antihistamines
Mast cell stabilisers
What is glaucoma?
A group of diseases characterised by progressive optic neuropathy.
Produces a characteristic loss of peripheral visual field initially.
How is glaucoma treated?
By reducing intra-ocular pressure.
How may glaucoma present?
Usually asymptomatic
Those over 40yo are screened for this condition.
What are the 5 medication classes used in glaucoma treatment?
Latanoprost (1st line)
Beta blockers
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists
Parasympathomimetics
Which drug used to treat glaucoma is associated with a bad aftertaste in the mouth?
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
What condition requires treatment with anti-VEGF?
Wet macular degeneration
Given intravitreally.
When does endophthalmitis usually present?
Post-operatively.
Treat with intravitreal antibiotics.
How is wet macular degeneration investigated?
OCT scanning
Fluoroscein stain examination
Can local anaesthetic be used in corneal abrasion?
No, as this significantly impairs healing.
What is the most commonly used dye in eye disease?
Fluoroscein
Useful in showing areas missing epithelium.
How should a corneal abrasion be managed?
Chloramphenicol ointment
Aim of treatment is to prevent infection.
What is cycloplegia?
Paralysis of the ciliary muscle.
Results in an inability to focus.
Atropine may cause this.
What side-effect is associated with ethambutol therapy?
Optic neuropathy
Which drugs are associated with bullseye maculopathy?
Chloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine
