Commonly Prescribed Eye And Ear Medications Quizlet

Commonly Prescribed Eye and Ear Medications: A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a detailed overview of commonly prescribed medications for eye and ear conditions. While this information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, understanding these medications can empower you to participate more effectively in your healthcare. Always consult your doctor or ophthalmologist/audiologist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

This guide will cover various medication classes, their mechanisms of action, common uses, potential side effects, and important considerations. We will delve into both ophthalmic (eye) and otic (ear) medications.

Commonly Prescribed Ophthalmic Medications

The eye is a sensitive organ, and medications administered to it require careful consideration. Here are some commonly prescribed classes:

1. Anti-Infectives:

• Antibiotics: These fight bacterial infections. Common examples include:

  • Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin): Broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria causing conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections. Side effects can include burning, stinging, and allergic reactions.
  • Aminoglycosides (e.g., tobramycin, gentamicin): Potent antibiotics often used for serious eye infections. Side effects can include eye irritation and, rarely, toxicity with prolonged use.
  • Sulfonamides (e.g., sulfacetamide): Often combined with other antibiotics for broader coverage. Side effects can include allergic reactions.

• Antivirals: These target viral infections, primarily herpes simplex keratitis.

  • Trifluridine: A nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral DNA replication. Side effects can include stinging, burning, and eye irritation.
  • Ganciclovir: Another antiviral used for more severe cases of herpes keratitis. Side effects are similar to trifluridine.

• Antifungals: These combat fungal infections, which are less common but can be serious.

  • Natamycin: A common antifungal used for fungal keratitis. Side effects are usually mild, including stinging and burning.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Agents:

• Steroids (e.g., prednisolone, dexamethasone): These reduce inflammation and are used to treat various inflammatory conditions of the eye, such as allergic conjunctivitis, uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), and post-surgical inflammation. Long-term use can have significant side effects, including increased intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to glaucoma, cataracts, and thinning of the cornea. They should be used cautiously and under strict medical supervision.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ketorolac): These offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, often used for post-surgical pain and inflammation. Side effects can include burning, stinging, and increased risk of bleeding.

3. Glaucoma Medications:

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), potentially leading to vision loss. Medications aim to lower IOP through various mechanisms:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., timolol, betaxolol): Decrease aqueous humor production. Side effects can include bradycardia (slow heart rate), bronchospasm (in individuals with asthma or COPD), and fatigue.

• Alpha-adrenergic agonists (e.g., brimonidine, apraclonidine): Decrease aqueous humor production and increase outflow. Side effects can include dry mouth, drowsiness, and allergic reactions.

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., dorzolamide, brinzolamide): Inhibit the production of aqueous humor. Side effects can include paresthesia (tingling), taste disturbances, and kidney stones.

• Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost, bimatoprost): Increase outflow of aqueous humor. Side effects can include changes in eye color, eyelash growth, and darkening of the eyelid skin.

4. Mydriatics and Cycloplegics:

These medications are used to dilate the pupils (mydriasis) and paralyze the ciliary muscle (cycloplegia), often for eye examinations.

• Mydriatics (e.g., tropicamide, phenylephrine): Dilate the pupils.
• Cycloplegics (e.g., cyclopentolate, atropine): Paralyze the ciliary muscle, allowing for better retinal examination. Atropine is a potent medication with prolonged effects and should only be used by ophthalmologists.

5. Lubricants and Artificial Tears:

These are used to alleviate dry eye symptoms. They contain various ingredients to mimic natural tears and provide moisture and lubrication to the eye's surface.

Commonly Prescribed Otic Medications

Ear medications are typically used to treat infections, inflammation, or excess earwax.

1. Anti-Infectives:

• Antibiotics: Used for bacterial ear infections (otitis media, otitis externa). Common examples include:

  • Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone: Combines an antibiotic and a steroid to treat bacterial infections and inflammation.
  • Ofloxacin: Another antibiotic used for bacterial ear infections.

• Antifungals: Used for fungal ear infections (otomycosis). Common examples include:

  • Clotrimazole: Topical antifungal medication.
  • Nystatin: Another antifungal used for fungal ear infections.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Agents:

• Corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone): Reduce inflammation in conditions like otitis externa. Prolonged use should be avoided due to potential side effects.

3. Analgesics:

• Acetaminophen (paracetamol): Used to relieve ear pain associated with ear infections.

4. Earwax Removers:

• Debrox: A cerumenolytic agent that softens and breaks down earwax, facilitating its removal. Follow instructions carefully to avoid pushing wax further into the ear canal.

Important Considerations & Safety Precautions:

• Allergies: Always inform your doctor about any allergies you have, particularly to medications. Allergic reactions can range from mild irritation to serious anaphylaxis.
• Drug Interactions: Certain eye and ear medications can interact with other medications you are taking. Disclose your complete medication history to your doctor.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Some medications may not be safe during these periods.
• Proper Administration: Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding the proper administration of your medication. This includes dosage, frequency, and application technique.
• Adverse Effects: Be aware of potential side effects and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately. Some side effects may be serious and require immediate medical attention.
• Storage: Store your medications according to the instructions on the label. Improper storage can affect the efficacy and safety of the medication.
• Compliance: It’s crucial to complete the full course of medication, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping early can lead to recurrence or development of antibiotic resistance.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any eye or ear condition. The information provided here is not exhaustive, and numerous other medications exist for various eye and ear conditions. Self-treating can be dangerous and may delay appropriate medical care. The information presented does not constitute a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.