Sensory Drugs Flashcards
Glaucomas are a group of diseases characterized by what?
Peripheral visual field loss secondary to optic nerve damage
How does optic nerve damage develop on open-angle glaucoma?
Gradually over the years
How does optic nerve damage develop in angle-closure glaucoma?
A blockage of aqueous humor outflow causes a rise in IOP
What does drug therapy aim to do in patients with glaucoma?
Reduce intracranial pressure
What are two ways in which drugs can reduce IOP?
Facilitate outflow
Reduce production
What three classes of drugs are considered first-line drugs for treatment of glaucoma?
Beta-blockers
Alpha2 agonists
Prostaglandins
How do topical beta-blockers work to lower IOP in glaucoma?
Decrease aqueous humor production
What are adverse effects of topical beta-blockers if too much is given to a patient with glaucoma?
Bronchospasm, bradycardia, AV heart block
How do alpha2 agonists lower IOP in patients with glaucoma?
Decreasing aqueous humor production and possibly by increasing the outflow
How do prostaglandins lower IOP in patients with glaucoma?
Facilitate aqueous humor outflow
What is the function of cycloplegics?
Paralyze the ciliary muscle
What do mydriatic drugs do to the eyes?
Dilate the pupil
What do anticholinergic drugs cause in patients with glaucoma and how?
Cycloplegia
Block muscarinic receptors on the ciliary muscle and cause mydriasis by blocking those same receptors on the iris sphincter
What effect do anticholinergic drugs have by paralyzing the ciliary muscle?
Prevent the eye from focusing for near vision
What effect do anticholinergic drugs have by paralyzing the iris sphincter?
Prevent the pupil from constricting in response to bright light (photophobia results)
How does phenylephrine, an adrenergic agonist, cause mydriasis?
Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on the radial (dilator) muscle of the iris
What is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)?
A progressive disease that blurs the central vision and thereby limits perception of fine detail
What are the two forms of ARMD?
Wet (neovascular) - more severe
Dry (atrophic) - more common
What drugs can be used on patients with dry ARMD to prevent it from developing into wet ARMD?
Prophylactic treatment with high-dose antioxidants and zinc
How can wet ARMD be treated?
Laser therapy
Photodynamic therapy
Angiogenesis inhibitors
What are the three most effective angiogenesis inhibitors for ARMD?
Aflibercept
Ranibizumab
Bevacizumab
What effect do topical glucocorticoids have in patients with dermatologic disorders?
Relieve inflammation and itching
What can the prolonged use of glucocorticoids result in?
Atrophy of the dermis and epidermis
What are the principal concerns in patients who may have absorbed enough topical glucocorticoids to lead to systemic toxicity?
Growth delay
Adrenal suppression
