Glaucoma is a disease that affects a patient's optical nerve. The nerve is damaged due to an increase in pressure in the eye, or a decrease in the optic nerve's blood supply. There are some medications that have been found to increase pressure within the eye. This in turn can worsen glaucoma. Patients with glaucoma need to know which medications can exacerbate their condition. Furthermore, if patients are taking these medications, they should consult their doctor before stopping or changing the medication.
Steroids
Topical or systemic steroids, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone have been reported by the Southland Eye Clinic as drugs that can worsen primary open angle glaucoma. This is also the case with drugs that contain steroids, such as steroid-enhanced eye drops. Steroids can cause a swift increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can last for several months. During this time, the patient's glaucoma could significantly worsen.
Anticholinergic Drugs
Anticholinergic drugs block the transmission of a certain neurotransmitters. A list of these drugs, compiled by LifeExtension, includes tricyclic antidepressants (amitryptiline), first generation antipsychotics (haloperidol), antihistamines, lithium, trazadone, and paroxetine. All of these drugs cause the angle of the eye to close, and thereby prevent proper drainage of the fluid within the eye. This buildup of fluid leads to increased IOP and worsens glaucoma.
Drugs that cause Mydriasis
Patients who have naturally narrow angles must avoid medications like ephedrine or scopolamine because, according to the Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness, these medications enlarge the pupils (mydriasis) and may further increase IOP. This condition can either precipitate the formation of glaucoma, or exacerbate an existing case of the disease that has been left untreated.
Hypertensive Medications
Patients with a history of hypertension who develop glaucoma can be protected from the initial stages because high blood pressure forces blood to the optic nerve despite the high IOP, according to the Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness. However, as the consistently high blood pressure continues, the vessels supplying the optic nerve are damaged. When hypertensive medications, like beta-blockers (atenolol) or ACE inhibitors (catapril), are used, the blood flow diminishes to such a degree that the damaged blood vessels can no longer properly supply the optic nerve. This leads to a worsening of the glaucoma. Therefore, glaucoma patients should avoid becoming hypertensive, and if they do develop high blood pressure, they should have it treated promptly in order to avoid damage to the vessels supplying the optic nerve.
