13
The drugs that are used today for glaucoma are fortunately very
effective in controlling intraocular pressure and
most patients are
regulated by one or more daily drops once or twice a day.
The mechanism of action differs depending on the category of the
drug, so a combination of drugs will yield an even greater decrease
in intraocular pressure.
As with all medications, eye drops have certain indications,
contraindications and side effects. Although they are used topically
in the eye, they are quickly absorbed in the blood circulation and can
have systemic action. The doctor must take into account all other
aspects of the patient’s general health such as heart failure, asthma
etc.
Medication
MEDICATION THAT LOWER
INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE
CATEGORY
EXAMPLES
Prostaglandin analogues
(Increase aqueous drainage)
• Travaprost
• Tafluprost
• Bimatoprost
• Latanoprost
β-adrenergic blockers
(Decrease aqueous production)
• Timolol
• Betaxolol
Sympathomimetic
(Decrease aqueus production
and increase drainage)
• Brimonidine
Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors
(Decrease aqueous production)
• Acetazolamide
• Brinzolamide
• Dorzolamide
Parasympathomimetics
(increase aqueous drainage)
• Pilocarpine
Examples of combinations
Dorzolamide + Timolol
Travaprost + Timolol
• Brinzolamide + Brimonidine
• Latanoprost + Timolol
