Management
Table 1. Glaucoma Medications
Drug Classification Methods of Action Potential Side Effects
Prostaglandin analogs Increase uveoscleral
and/or trabecular
outflow
• Increased and misdirected eyelash
growth
• Periocular hyperpigmentation
• Conjunctival injection
• Allergic conjunctivitis/contact
dermatitis
• Keratitis
• Possible herpes virus activation
• Increased iris pigmentation
• Uveitis
• Cystoid macular edema
• Periorbitopathy
• Migraine-like headache
• Flu-like symptoms
Beta-adrenergic
antagonists (beta-
blockers)
Decrease aqueous
production
• Allergic conjunctivitis/contact
dermatitis
• Keratitis
• Bronchospasm (seen with
nonselective)
• Bradycardia
• Hypotension
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
(classic teaching, although
cardiologists use beta-blockers as
first line treatment in CHF)
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Depression
• Impotence
Alpha-adrenergic
agonists
Nonselective: improve
aqueous outflow
Selective: decrease
aqueous production;
decrease episcleral
venous pressure or
increase uveoscleral
outflow
• Allergic conjunctivitis/contact
dermatitis
• Follicular conjunctivitis
• Dry mouth and nose
• Hypotension
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Somnolence
10
