Treatment FAQ

what is the effect of beta-blocking agents when used for treatment of glaucoma

by Cora Mohr Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents for the eye are used to treat certain types of glaucoma. They appear to work by reducing the production of fluid in the eye. This lowers the pressure in the eye. These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Full Answer

How do beta-blockers work in glaucoma?

The treatment of glaucoma: role of beta-blocking agents Abstract The sudden development of a red painful eye with blurred vision may be an acute attack of angle closure glaucoma which requires emergency attention.

How do medications treat glaucoma?

The beta-adrenergic blocking agents and the treatment of glaucoma The autonomic nervous system is divided into the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, with three types of adrenergic receptors: alpha (smooth muscle contraction), beta1 (cardiac acceleration and fatty acid mobilization) and beta2 (smooth muscle relaxation).

How do topical beta-blockers reduce intraocular pressure?

Topical beta-blockers reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) by blockade of sympathetic nerve endings in the ciliary epithelium causing a fall in aqueous humour production. Two types of topical beta-blockers are available for use in glaucoma: nonselective, which block both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors; and cardioselective, which block only beta 1-receptors.

What are the side effects of glaucoma medications?

Timolol maleate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent, was studied in 30 patients with glaucoma. Significant intraocular pressure lowering was achieved with 0.5% and 1.5% solution of the drug. At seven hours following treatment, the IOP was lowered 50% from the pretreatment pressure with both strengths of timolol.

How do beta-blockers affect glaucoma?

Topically administered beta blockers are the preferred medical therapy for glaucoma. These agents reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), thereby preventing damage to the optic nerve and the subsequent loss of vision.

What are the side effects of beta blocker eye drops?

Beta Blockers: low blood pressure, reduced pulse rate, fatigue, shortness of breath; rarely: reduced libido, depression.Jul 23, 2018

What is the side effect of beta-adrenergic blocking agent?

Adverse effects of the first type include bronchospasm, heart failure, prolonged hypoglycemia, bradycardia, heart block, intermittent claudication, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Neurological reactions include depression, fatigue, and nightmares.

What do beta-blockers do?

Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are medications that reduce blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure.

Who should not use beta blocker eye drops?

"The number one rule is: Know your patient. Beta blockers are contraindicated in anyone with a previous myocardial infarction, a history of arrhythmia or bradycardia, pulmonary issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or emphysema.Nov 15, 2006

What are the side effects of Lumigan eye drops?

Common side effects of Lumigan include:burning/stinging/irritation/ redness/discomfort of the eye,feeling as if something is in your eye,dry eyes,watering eyes,temporary unstable vision,dizziness.

What are side effects of metoprolol succinate?

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, and slow heartbeat may occur. Decreased sexual ability has been reported infrequently....Common side effects may include:dizziness, tired feeling;depression, confusion, memory problems;nightmares, trouble sleeping;diarrhea; or.mild itching or rash.

What is the side effects of metoprolol?

Metoprolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:dizziness or lightheadedness.tiredness.depression.nausea.dry mouth.stomach pain.vomiting.gas or bloating.More items...

What effects do agents such as metoprolol have on the cardiovascular system?

This medicine is a beta-blocker. It works by affecting the response to nerve impulses in certain parts of the body, like the heart. As a result, the heart beats slower and decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart.

Why are beta-blockers used in heart failure?

The use of beta blockers which may inhibit sympathetic activity, might reduce the risk of disease progression in heart failure, improve symptoms and increase survival.

Why do beta-blockers cause shortness of breath?

Beta blocker eyedrops can also cause shortness of breath by inhibiting cardiac output (decreasing the amount of blood the heart pumps out) reducing pulse, or slowing down the heart rate response during exercise.Oct 29, 2017

Do beta-blockers weaken the heart?

Are there any side effects? Beta-blockers can cause some side effects. Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint. Beta-blockers will slow your heart rate (pulse) and lower your blood pressure.

How do beta blockers help with glaucoma?

Two types of topical beta-blockers are available for use in glaucoma: nonselective, which block both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors; and cardioselective, which block only beta 1-receptors. Of the beta-Blockers commercially available, timolol, levobunolol, metipranolol and carteolol are nonselective, and betaxolol is cardioselective. Twice-daily timolol is probably the most effective agent in lowering IOP, although levobunolol is equally effective and can be used once daily with little difference in effect. Carteolol is used twice daily and any theoretical advantage in diminished side effects conferred by its partial beta-agonist activity compared with timolol has not been fully substantiated. Metipranolol is effective twice daily and does not have partial beta-agonist activity. Betaxolol has an effect comparable to timolol in lowering IOP, but is less effective in some patients. beta-Blockers can be used with other antiglaucoma medications, but their combined action with epinephrine (adrenaline) is suspect, particularly in the case of the nonselective beta-blockers, and the effect should be assessed in patients on an individual basis. Local stinging can be a problem in some patients with betaxolol. The most serious side effects of beta-blockers are the exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways disease with nonselective agents and the precipitation of bronchospasm in some patients. Betaxolol seems relatively free of adverse respiratory effects, although this may be dose-related and extreme caution should still be exercised in patients with any history of respiratory illness. Because of the lower risk of precipitating side effects, betaxolol is probably the beta-blocker of first choice for use in glaucoma; timolol or levobunolol are reserved for patients who do not respond satisfactorily to betaxolol and are quite free of respiratory disease.

Does beta blocker cause bronchospasm?

The most serious side effects of beta-blockers are the exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways disease with nonselective agents and the precipitation of bronchospasm in some patients. Betaxolol seems relatively free of adverse respiratory effects, although this may be dose-related and extreme caution should still be exercised in patients ...

Is betaxolol a beta blocker?

Because of the lower risk of precipitating side effects, betaxolol is probably the beta-blocker of first choice for use in glaucoma; timolol or levobunolol are reserved for patients who do not respond satisfactorily to betaxolol and are quite free of respiratory disease.

What are the medications used to treat glaucoma?

These include: prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and rho kinase inhibitors.

What is the best treatment for glaucoma?

A variety of options are available to treat glaucoma. These include eye drops, laser procedures, and surgery. All are intended to decrease eye pressure and, thereby, protect the optic nerve. Currently, in the US, eye drops are often the first choice for treating patients. For many people a combination of medications and laser treatment can safely ...

What is a CAI?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) reduce eye pressure by decreasing the production of intraocular fluid. These are available as eye drops [Trusopt® (dorzolamide), Azopt® (brinzolamide)] as well as pills [Diamox (acetazolamide) and Neptazane® (methazolamide)]. Except for brinzolamide, all CAI s are available in generic form.

Does a syringe have a side effect?

They have few systemic side effects but are associated with changes to the eye itself, including change in iris color and growth of eyelashes. Depending on the individual, one of these preparations may be more effective and produce fewer side effects.

Is latanoprost a generic?

Latanoprost and some formulations of bimatoprost are now available in generic form. Tafluprost is a preservative-free prostaglandin analog. Beta blockers such as timolol are the second most often used class of medication and work by decreasing production of fluid.

Is timolol a preservative?

Timolol is also available in a preservative-free formulation. Systemic side effects of beta blockers can be minimized by closing the eyes following application or using a technique called punctal occlusion that prevents the drug from entering the tear drainage duct and systemic circulation.

Can eye drops cause eye irritation?

Another factor that influences the use of eyedrops is side effects. Besides adverse reactions specific to the active ingredient, ocular surface irritation (conjuctival and corneal) can occur with any type of eye drop.

What is the first pass effect?

The first-pass effect occurs when hepatic metabolism decreases the bioavailability of a drug. Oral forms of medications are processed through the GI tract, absorbed through the small intestines, and undergo the first-pass effect in the liver in which some of the active ingredients is removed from the drug before it reaches the intended site of action.

How long does it take to cure diabetes mellitus?

Family history of diabetes mellitus. The infection is difficult to eradicate and requires prolonged therapy for 3 to 6 months. Treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails, is difficult to treat and requires prolonged therapy of 3 to 6 months for oral antifungal therapy.

What is the term for a fatty stool?

Diarrhea and steatorrhea (fatty stools) indicate insufficient pancreatic enzymes are present to digest dietary fats and other of nutrients, so pancrelipase, a fat-digesting enzyme, should be consumed with any type of food. Click card to see definition 👆. Tap card to see definition 👆.

Does lithium carbonate cause fatigue?

Report symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and constipation. Lithium carbonate (Eskalith) causes hypothyroidism in 1 to 4% of those clients receiving the medication, so caregivers should assess for signs of hypothyroidism, including fatigue and constipation (early signs) and myxedema or goiter (late symptoms).

What is the name of the enzyme that is used to digest fats?

Diarrhea and steatorrhea (fatty stools) indicate insufficient pancreatic enzymes are present to digest dietary fats and other of nutrients, so pancrelipase, a fat-digesting enzyme, should be consumed with any type of food. A client with chronic pancreatitis receives a new prescription for pancrelipase (pancrease).

Does Viagra cause angina?

Common side effects include headaches, facial flushing, and diarrhea. Viagra can potentia te vasodilators, such as alpha-adrenergic blockers, nitroglycerin, and other nitrates used for angina pectoris, and may cause hypotension, which decreases perfusion to vital organs.

Is decadron a long acting glucocorticoid?

Use of oral contraceptives. Method of infant feeding. Possibility of pregnancy. Dexamethasone (Decadron) is a long-acting glucocorticoid prescribed for neurosurgical procedures because it suppresses inflammation and has a low sodium-retaining ability, which is important in averting cerebral edema.

What is phentolamine used for?

Phentolamine, a nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, is used to treat extravasation. of IV norepinephrine or dopamine and hypertension related to a pheochromocytoma. Alpha1. -selective adrenergic blocking agents are used for treatment of hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The.

What is propranolol used for?

Propranolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, idiopathic hypertrophic. subaortic stenosis, supraventricular tachycardia, tremor; prevention of reinfarction after myocardial. infarction; adjunctive therapy in pheochromocytoma; prophylaxis of migraine headache; and.

What is a nurse working with?

A nurse is working with a patient who is taking an adrenergic blocking agent. While assessing the. patient's medication history, the nurse discovers that the patient takes several alternative therapies. What herb is the nurse concerned may interact with the adrenergic blocking agent and affect the.

What are the symptoms of hypotension?

hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, angina, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, flushing, tachycardia, and arrhythmiaall of which are related to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure. Headache, weakness, and dizziness often occur in response to hypotension. Nausea, vomiting, and.

Is sotalol a beta blocker?

available orally and is used to treat hypertension as well as congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction after a myocardial infarction. Sotalol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent used to treat potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and to maintain normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation ...

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