Ophthalmic Drugs

Drug Class

Examples

Mechanism of Action

Expected Effect

Side Effects

Glaucoma Medications (Reduce Intraocular Pressure)

Timolol (Beta Blocker), Latanoprost (Prostaglandin Analog), Brimonidine (Alpha Agonist), Acetazolamide (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor)

Reduce aqueous humor production or increase outflow

Lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma

Eye irritation, blurry vision, systemic effects (beta blockers)

Mydriatics (Dilate Pupils for Eye Exams)

Atropine, Tropicamide

Block muscarinic receptors, relaxing iris muscles

Dilate pupils for eye exams

Blurry vision, photosensitivity

Miotics (Constrict Pupils & Treat Glaucoma)

Pilocarpine

Stimulate muscarinic receptors, increasing aqueous humor drainage

Reduce intraocular pressure

Blurry vision, headache

Ophthalmic Antihistamines (For Allergic Conjunctivitis)

Olopatadine, Ketotifen

Block histamine receptors in the eye

Reduce eye redness, itching, and swelling

Temporary burning/stinging

Artificial Tears & Lubricants (For Dry Eyes)

Carboxymethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Provide moisture and lubrication

Relieve dry eye symptoms

Temporary blurred vision

Ophthalmic Antibiotics (For Eye Infections)

Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Tobramycin

Inhibit bacterial growth

Treat bacterial conjunctivitis & keratitis

Eye irritation, redness