Pharmacology Flashcards
What are the two mediums of topical administrated eye medications?
Eye drops
ointment
Which of eye drops and ointments last longer?
ointment
where is a hydrophobic topical treatment limited?
stroma
where is a hydrophilic topical treatment limited?
epithelium
is chloramphenicol ur or hydrophilic?
both
what can ocular surface inflammation do to the nature of the epithelium?
Reduce it’s hydrophobic nature- can increase corneal penetration
what does adding a phosphate to a steroid do?
makes it more hydrophilic
will treat surface pathologies
what does adding alcohol or acetate to a steroid do?
makes it more hydrophobic
will treat deeper pathologies
what is added to eye drop bottles to keep them sterile?
Benzalkonium chloride
what effect does benzalkonium have on penetration?
It disrupts the lipid layer of tear film so some medications that could previously not breach this barrier are now able to
what are the four routes of injections into the eye?
subconjunctival
subtenon
intravitreal
intracameral
what are anti-inflammatory agents that can be used on the eyes?
steroids
topical NSAIDs
anti-histamines
mast cell stabilizers
what should you always consider with an over 50 y/o, sudden onset headache and vague visual symptoms?
TEMPORAL ARTERITIS
what are some local side effects of ocular steroids?
cataracts
glaucoma
exacerbation of viral infection (herpes simplex in particular)
what is the aim of glaucoma management?
to allow the patient to see what they need to see during their lifetime
Which glaucoma medications act to “open up the drain”?
prostanoids (Latanoprost)
Alpha2 adrenergic agonist (Brimonidine)
Parasympathomimetic (pilocarpine)
which glaucoma medications act to “turn off the tap”?
beta blockers
CA inhibitoes (Dorzolamide- topical, Axetazolamide- systemic)
Alpha2 adrenergic agonist (brimonidine)
what is often the biggest issue with glaucoma medication?
poor compliance
what is intravitreal anti-VEGF for?
to shrink new blood vessel formation in the retina
what is the most common eye drop used for diagnosis?
fluorescein
what do mydriatics do?
block parasympathetic supply to iris causing pupil dilation
what should you do if a patient has a sudden onset headache and associated vomiting?
Look at the eye- if one is red and pupil is mid-dilated –> acute angle closure glaucoma
what do parasympathomimetics do?
cause pupil constriction
