Classification of eye drops for glaucoma treatment is according to the active constituent chemical which assists in drug functioning. Additionally, several of the eye drops for glaucoma mentioned below are obtainable in generic versions at pharmacies.
Prostaglandin
Prostaglandin is a medicine employed in eye drops, frequently has the optimal user acquiescence due to their once-a-day requirement dose. Prostaglandin usually functions by eliciting relaxation of muscles located in the eye’s internal constitution for facilitating improved fluid outflow, consequently lowering eye pressure building up.
Such medicines have only some commonly experienced side effects comprising of piercing, burning sensation in the eyes, variation in eye colour (eyes appearing a darker hue) because of increased pigmentation in iris and eyelashes tend to lengthen and curl.
Prostaglandins having received the FDA nod are Rescula (Novartis), Lumigan (Allergan), Travatan Z (Alcon), Xalatan (Pfizer). Several glaucoma experts presently cite that prostaglandins appear to have become the foremost course of glaucoma treatment.
Beta-blocker
Employed in a host of eye drops for glaucoma, beta-blockers were earlier the foremost medicine option for glaucoma treatment. Such medicines function by reducing fluid creation in the eyes and currently often advised as an add-on prescription to or combined with prostaglandin.
Such eye drops have the possibility of reducing cardiac rate and could be contributory to detrimental side effects among people having particular cardiovascular issues, are diabetic, having lung conditions (for instance, emphysema), depressive tendencies or other ailments. Due to this, detailed discussion of medical history with the eye doctor is crucial prior to the use of beta-blockers.
Beta-blockers for glaucoma treatment comprise of Betoptic S (Alcon), Timoptic XE (Merck) and Istalol (ISTA).
Alpha-adrenergic agonist
Such medicines function by lowering rate at which fluid humor is produced and could be employed as a standalone treatment or merged with other eye drops for glaucoma. Commonly faced side-effects linked with these eye drops are reddishness in eyes (optical shot), upper eyelid elevation, pupil enlargement (dilatation) and itchiness. The FDA-accepted medicines in this category comprise of Alphagan-P or Alphagan or Allergen, Iopidine (Alcon).
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
Such medicines function by reducing the rate at which aqueous humor is produced. They are generally employed in merger with other eye drops for glaucoma treatment and not on their own. The orally taken version of this medicine is also obtainable. Commonly noted side effects comprise of reddishness in eyes (optical jab), tart after-taste, lid reactions and burning.
The FDA-accepted eye drops in this category comprise of Azopt (Alcon) and Trusopt (Merck). Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or CAI – systemic tablet version are Neptazane (Wyeth-Ayerst), Daranide (Dohme, Sharp, Merck) and Diamox (Sigma). Nearly half the populace of patients have been observed to exhibit least tolerance to orally taken CAIs because of their systemic side-effects comprising of exhaustion, depressive tendencies, lost food craving, weight reduction, lost sex drive, kidney stone formation, bad taste and prickling sensation felt in finger and toe areas (peripheral neuropathy).
Parasympathomimetics
Such medicines function by causing a rise in aqueous humor outflow from the eyes. These are often employed for controlling intraocular pressure among narrow-angle glaucoma cases. Such eye drops lead to constriction in pupils that aid in open the narrowing or blocked-up angle where drainage is occurring. Commonly observed side-effects associated with use of these eye drops comprise of aches in eyebrow area, constricted pupils, burning sensation and lowered night-time eyesight. FDA-accepted medicines in this category comprise of echothiophate, carbachol, pilocarpine and demecarium.
Epinephrine
This category of drugs have a twofold outcome on the eyes. These function by lowering the rate at which aqueous humor is produced and causing a rise in aqueous humor seepage. Commonly observed side effects comprise of blockage in tear ducts, cardiac palpitation accompanied by augmented heart rate and pigmented conjunctival deposit formations. The FDA-accepted medicines comprise of Propine (dipivalyl epinephrine) and epinephrine.
Hyperosmotic agent
This drug is generally employed in those individuals having acutely high intraocular pressure which needs to be lowered soon prior to lasting, irreparable harm to the optic nerve develops. Hyperosmotic agents lower intraocular pressure by reducing fluid amount in the eyes. Generally administered single-instant, only during emergencies, such medicines comprise of mannitol, oral intake isosorbide, intravenous administration of urea and orally taken glycerine.
Coalesced glaucoma medicines
Research outcomes reveal that half the people having glaucoma need over one form of drug for controlling intraocular pressure. Due to this, a number of eye pharmaceutical concerns have created combination eye drops which comprise of 2 varying glaucoma treating drugs in a single vial.
For expediency, the ophthalmologist could advice the merged IOP-reducing drugs. Classically, such coalesced drugs have the additive outcome of lowering intraocular pressure. FDA-accepted drugs of this group comprise of Combigan (Allergan), DuoTrav (Alcon) and Cosopt (Merck).
