This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in glaucoma

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used in the management of open angle glaucoma include dorzolamide (a topical agent) and acetazolamide (oral and intravenous preparation).

These agents act on carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme II in the ciliary body and result in a reduction in aqueous production by decreasing bicarbonate secretion into the posterior chamber by ciliary epithelial cells. Their actions last for 6-12 hours and so are primarily a short term agent e.g. dorzolamide is given three times daily.

Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are generally used only in acute management of raised intraocular pressure but, occasionally, can be used chronically as a last resort.

Possible side effects include paraesthesia, general malaise, diuresis, renal calculi, and metabolic acidosis.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are additive to other drugs e.g. dorzolamide only needs to be taken twice daily when used in combination with a beta-blocker (1).

There is no additional lowering of intraocular pressure if a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor is added to a systemic one.

These agents should be avoided in pregnancy.

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

Reference:

  • 1) Prescriber (2001), 12 (5), 61-71.

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.