Glaucoma refers to a medical problem in which the pressure in the eyes is extremely high. The Medline Plus website indicates that glaucoma symptoms include eye pain, red eye, sudden severe pain in one eye, nausea, vomiting and swollen eyes. Fortunately, common glaucoma medications exist to manage these symptoms.
Apraclonidine
Apraclonidine, commonly sold as Iopidine, is a medication used to manage glaucoma symptoms when other medications have failed. According to the Drugs website, apraclonidine actually can help prevent an increase in eye pressure. Apraclonidine's common side effects include eye discomfort and a dry mouth. It can also lead to itching, redness and watering of the eye. Call a doctor when this drug's side effects last for more than a week.
Apraclonidine's serious effects include chest pain, depression, numbness or tingling, a rash around the eyes, difficulty breathing and wheezing. Sometimes, this medication can also lead to swelling of the face, hands or feet, an irregular heartbeat and dizziness. Notify a physician when apraclonidine leads to these serious effects.
This medication may exacerbate such medical conditions as depression, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. Tell a doctor if you suffer from any of these conditions.
Metipranolol
Metipranolol, commonly sold as OptiPranolol, is a medication used to treat glaucoma. It specifically works to decrease the pressure within the eye. The Medline Plus indicates that common side effects include eye tearing, a brow ache, burning or stinging of the eye and light sensitivity. In some cases, metipranolol can also lead to blurry vision. Phone a doctor when metipranolol's common side effects remain for greater than a week. Metipranolol's serious side effects include a headache, dizziness, trouble breathing, depression and an abnormal pulse. This drug can also lead to eye pain, a skin rash and visual problems. Notify a physician when metipranolol's side effects develop. Metipranolol may interact with such medications as atenolol, timolol, nadolol and verapamil.
Acetazolamide
Acetazolamide, commonly sold as Diamox, is yet another medication used to manage glaucoma. The Drugs website says that acetazolamide's less concerning side effects include a headache, ringing in the ears, visual changes, a loss of blood sugar and nervousness. Acetazolamide can also cause vomiting, nausea, constipation, weakness and a tremor. Phone a doctor when this drug's less serious effects remain for more than a week. Acetazolamide's serious effects include easy bleeding or bruising, a rash, tremors and groin pain. This medication can also cause a fever and a sore throat. Contact a doctor when acetazolamide's serious effects emerge. A change in acetazolamide's dose may be needed when suffering from such diseases as liver, kidney or lung disease.
