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Abstract #5785 Published in IGR 2-1
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in the treatment of glaucoma
Apatachioae I; Chiselita DOftalmologia 1999; 47:35-40
This study is an up-date of the role and place of α2-adrenergic agonists in glaucoma treatment. The first available α2-agonist, clonidine, is of historical importance today. Apraclonidine decreases aqueous humor secretion and episcleral venous pressure. It is used to prevent or blunt acute intraocular pressure rise after ocular laser therapy. It is not recommended as a long-term therapy, due to its high incidence of local adverse reactions and tachyphylaxis. Brimonidine became the α2-agonist of choice in the treatment of chronic glaucoma, acting by decreasing aqueous humor secretion and increasing uveoscleral outflow. It has a lower incidence of ocular adverse effects because of greater α2 selectivity. Brimonidine has a neuroprotective effect, which is an important feature in the new context of glaucoma pathogenesis. Brimonidine has a hypotensor effect similar to timolol, but with a greater incidence of adverse local reactions. It has no effect on cardiopulmonary function. Brimonidine would be of value as a first-line therapy in patients with contraindication to beta-blockers. LA: <#>
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Classification:
11.3.3 Apraclonidine, brimonidine (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
