Ophthalmic Pharmacology

Front 1

pt receive ophthalmic drugs by three principal methods:

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1. topical, drugs are applied directly to the surface of the eye or surrounding skin
2. injectable, drugs are injected with a hypodermic needle into or around the eye or into another part of the body
3. oral, drugs are taken by mouth

Front 2

topical systems

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liquid drops in the form of solution, suspensions, and ointments for surface of the eye and eyelids,

Front 3

solutions

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a drugs in solution is completely dissolved in an inert liquid called the vehicle, such as sterile salt water.
normal eye is hydrophobic a topical solution may also contain a chemical.
the preservative agent can irritate the eyes of some pt, causing redness, tearing, or pain.

Front 4

suspensions

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are liquid vehicles in which particles of the drug are suspended. easy to apply as a drops and do not interfere with va unless is desired action of the drug.
active drug falls to the bottom of the bottle, the user shakes the container vigorously before each application.

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disadvantages of suspensions

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like solutions they do not remain contact with the eye surface for long and that particles may settle out in the container during storage.

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ointments and gels

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the drug is dissolved or suspended in an oily or greasy vehicle.

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advantage of ointment

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drug remains in contact with the eye or eyelids longer than liquid solution or suspension. the greasy character makes the drug less likely to wash away with tears.

Front 8

disadvantage of ointment

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blur va, and they can be difficult to apply correctly.

Front 9

hydrophobic

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resists water

Front 10

injections

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drug in solution is introduced into a part of the body by a needle.

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types of injection

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1. into the eye(intravitreal) or around the eye ( periocular, retrobulbar, or subconjunctival)
2. into vein ( intravenous)
3. into a muscle ( intramuscular)
4. under the skin ( subcutaneous)

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systemic drug delivery

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the intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections, the active drug travels through the body's circulatory system before actually reaching the eye.
oral drugs, as with certain types of injections, the active agent must travel through one or more other body systems before reaching the eye.

Front 13

oral system

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by mouth, including tablets, capsules, and liquids.

Front 14

diagnostic medications

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mydriatics, cycloplegics, dyes, and anesthetics. they are available as topical solutions and some ointment.

Front 15

mydriatics

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the act of dilating the pupil is called mydriasis. stimulating the iris dilator muscle. they are used mainly to examination of the fundus.
occasionally may be used to improve the va of pt with catracts or other media opacities, but they are usually used to diagnose eye conditions.

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side effects of mydriasis

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stinging on administration, headache, increased blood pressure, photophobia, and (very rarely) death.
because these agents open the pupil mydriatics may attack of angle-closure glaucoma in pt with a narrow anterior chamber angle.

Front 17

strength of mydriatic

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the most commonly used of 2.5% and 10% ( neo-synephrine, mydfrin)