Ophthalmic Medications Flashcards

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to treat glaucoma; major side effects include headache and nausea.
Bacitracin (AK-Tracin) ointment is an antibiotic indicated for eye infections, with common side effects being brow ache and lacrimation.
Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) solution is also an antibiotic for eye infections, presenting similar side effects as Bacitracin.
Dorzolamide (Trusopt) is another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used for glaucoma; side effects include a bitter taste and burning eyes.
Epinephrine (Glaucon) is an adrenergic solution for glaucoma, causing burning eyes and pupil dilation as major side effects.
Erythromycin (Ilotycin) ointment treats eye infections and can cause brow ache and lacrimation.
Idoxuridine (IDU) is an antiviral ointment or solution for viral eye infections, causing sensitivity to light and eyelid edema.
Pilocarpine (Pilocar) is a cholinergic solution for glaucoma, leading to nearsightedness and burning eyes.
Timolol (Timoptic) is a beta blocker used in managing glaucoma; common side effects include blurred vision and stinging eyes.
Travoprost (Travatan) is a prostaglandin solution for glaucoma with the possibility of causing allergies.

Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure due to fluid drainage issues.
Goals for treating glaucoma include enhancing aqueous humor drainage, reducing production, and preventing vision loss.
Beta blockers, particularly Timolol, are frequently utilized for open-angle glaucoma.

Individuals with glaucoma often report seeing halos around bright lights.
Side effects of corticosteroid eye medications can include glaucoma and cataracts.

Common causes of styes include poor hygiene and the use of cosmetics.
Styes should not be squeezed; treatment involves warm compresses and possibly topical antibiotics like erythromycin or bacitracin.

If a patient's eye is crusted, it should be cleaned prior to medication application.
Eye medications are not to be shared; one person per medication.
Erythromycin and bacitracin are popular antibiotic options, while Idoxuridine is a well-known antiviral.

In a solution, the medication is evenly dissolved, while in a suspension, the medication must be shaken as it separates in liquid.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most prevalent form, accounting for 90% of cases and typically occurring bilaterally.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is rarer, characterized by sudden unilateral eye pain and rapid pressure increases; it is a medical emergency that can lead to vision loss within 48-72 hours.

Proper eye medication application involves washing hands, creating an eyelid pocket, holding the lid in place, and allowing the medication to settle, while adhering to specific waiting times between drops and maintaining hygiene throughout the process.