ELMMB logo
Facebook logo Twitter logo
Menu

11.6 TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

11.6 TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA
         In glaucoma there is a high intraocular pressure.  
         Beta blockers probably reduce the rate of production of aqueous humour. 
              AMBER     Timolol eye drops 0.25%,  
              AMBER     Timolol 1mg/g eye gel (Tiopex®) 0.4g Unit Dose PF    
                                 (for use in selective patients only)
 
         Prostaglandin analogue - increases uveoscleral outflow.  Latanoprost is first line therapy
              AMBER     Latanoprost eye drops 
              AMBER     Latanoprost unit dose preservative free eye drops 
                                (2nd line option for those who are intolerant to preservatives)
              AMBER     Bimatoprost 0.01% eye drops    
                                (2nd line use when latanoprost not effective)   
 
         Sympathomimetics probably reduce the rate of production of aqueous humour and increase its outflow.
              AMBER     Brimonidine eye drops 0.2%  
 
         Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and systemic drugs reduce aqueous humour production.
             AMBER     Acetazolamide tablets 250mg   
                                Acetazolamide capsules m/r 250mg        
             RED          Acetazolamide injection 500mg
             AMBER     Dorzolamide eye drops 2%
             AMBER     Brinzolamide eye drops 10mg/ml (Azopt®)  

                              (Restricted use only following an unsuccessful trial of dorzolamide)

         Combination products 
 
              AMBER     Dorzolamide 2% & timolol 0.5% eye drops  (Cosopt®) *prescribe as generic*
              AMBER     Ganfort® eye drops (bimatoprost 0.03% & timolol 0.05% eye drops)   
              AMBER      Azarga® eye drops brinzolamide 10mg/ml + timolol 5mg/ml   
              AMBER     Ganfort® unit dose eye drops P/F - as an option when intolerant to preservative
              AMBER     Simbrinza® eye drops (brinzolomide & brimonidine) - as 3rd line option,    
                                consultant  initiation only, in patients unsuitable for surgery
              AMBER     Xalacom® eye drops (latanoprost 50mcg/mL/timolol 5mg/mL)
 
         Pilocarpine and adrenaline are now outdated treatments. Use pilocarpine only for existing 
         patients who are stable and have no problems with its use
 
          Miotics - open up the inefficient drainage channels.
              AMBER     Pilocarpine
                                eye drops 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%
                                unit dose eye drops 4%
 
         Radiation-induced xerostomia, Sjogren’s syndrome  
             AMBER     Pilocarpine tablets 5mg (Salagen®) 
                      
when 1st line topical agents have not been effective
 
 
 BACK to main chapter 





All material in this section is aimed at health care professionals, but is information currently held in the public domain, members of the  
public seeking advice on medicine-related matters are advised to speak with their GP, pharmacist, nurse or contact NHS111 Service. 
  Email: info.elmmb@nhs.net
 Copyright© 2016 - 2023 East Lancashire Medicines Management Board. 
 All rights reserved.  Disclaimer/Terms and conditions