Otic/Ophthalmic Agents Quiz

Otic/Ophthalmic Agents

• Dyes serve as diagnostic aids for locating foreign bodies in the eye.
• Topical anesthetics like Proparacaine HCL and Tetracaine are used for numbing the eye.
• Antiinfectives and antiinflammatories are indicated for conditions such as:
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Chalazion (eyelid nodule)
  • Hordeolum (stye)
• Antihistamines provide treatment for allergic conjunctivitis but may cause side effects like burning, headaches, and stinging.
• Lubricants are prescribed for dryness of the eyes, available in liquid and ointment forms. Common types include Tears Naturale and Lacri-Lube.

Glaucoma

• Open angle glaucoma is the most prevalent form, characterized by an open angle but impaired outflow of aqueous humor.
• Closed angle glaucoma can be either chronic or acute; acute cases are medical emergencies that can result in vision loss within hours due to blocked angles preventing aqueous humor flow.

Antiglaucoma Drug Classes

• Cholinergic and anticholinesterase miotics are used to promote pupil constriction and decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) by enhancing aqueous humor outflow.
• Beta-adrenergic blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and osmotics are other drug classes for managing glaucoma.
• Anticholinergics should be avoided unless in an emergency situation.

Cholinergic & Anticholinesterase Drugs (Miotics)

• Induce miosis (pupil constriction) and effectively lower IOP.
• Common side effects include headaches, brow pain, decreased vision, burning sensations, and redness.
• Systemic absorption may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, asthma attacks, increased salivation, sweating, muscle weakness, bradycardia, and hypotension.
• Toxicity can manifest as vertigo, bradycardia, tremors, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, and seizures.
• Atropine serves as an antidote for bradycardia.