Pharmacology of Eye and Ear Medications

These flashcards cover essential medication terms and concepts related to eye and ear pharmacology, including drug classifications, mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and proper administration techniques.

Anti-Cholinergic Drug

A class of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine and are used to treat various conditions; example includes atropine, which causes eye dilation.

Atropine 1% Ophthalmic Solution

An anti-cholinergic medication used during eye exams and to treat inflammatory conditions of the uveal tract.

Mydriasis

Pupil dilation caused by relaxation of the eye muscles.

Cholinergic Agonist

A drug that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system; pilocarpine is an example used to treat glaucoma.

IOP (Intraocular Pressure)

The fluid pressure inside the eye, a critical measure in conditions like glaucoma.

Prostaglandin Analog

A class of drugs like bimatoprost that reduce IOP by increasing outflow of aqueous humor.

Adrenergic Agonists

Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system; used in glaucoma treatment to decrease IOP.

Beta Blocker (Timolol)

A medication used to treat glaucoma by decreasing aqueous humor production, can have respiratory side effects.

Antihistamine (Meclizine)

A medication used to treat vertigo that has both antihistamine and anticholinergic effects.

Photosensitivity

Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, a common adverse effect of some eye medications.

Client Education for Eye Drops

Instructions for proper administration of eye drops, including positioning and timing between different medications.

Miosis

Pupil constriction, often caused by cholinergic agonists.

Adverse Effects

Unintended, harmful outcomes from medications; can include blurred vision, dry mouth, stinging, etc.

Contraindications

Factors that serve as reasons to withhold certain medical treatments; includes pregnancy and respiratory disease for some eye medications.

Ciliary Contraction

The process of the ciliary muscle contracting, which decreases IOP by facilitating aqueous humor drainage.

Sedation as a Side Effect

Drowsiness caused by medications like antihistamines, stressing caution with activities like driving.

Bulging of Ocular Blood Vessels

An adverse effect associated with prostaglandin analogs, which may result in visible changes to the eye.

Brown Pigmentation of Iris

A permanent side effect of bimatoprost use that causes discoloration of the iris.

Systemic Absorption Prevention

A technique used in eye drop administration to minimize systemic effects by applying pressure to the nasolacrimal duct.