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. 2012 Oct 23;6:1699–1707. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S32933

Table 1.

Current treatment drugs for POAG1926

Drug class Drug and daily frequency Route Mechanism of action Side effects in class
Prostaglandin analogs Latanoprost 1x Topical Increased trabecular drainage Eye lash thickening, eye lid darkening, eye staining
Travoprost 1x
Unoprostone 2x
Bimatoprost 1x
Beta blockers Betaxolol 2x (selective) Topical Decreased aqueous fluid production Eye irritation, hyperemia, blurred vision, impaired lung function
Carteolol 2x
Timolol 1–2x
Levobunolol 1–2x
Diuretics (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) Brinzolamide 3x Topical Decreased aqueous fluid production via HCO3 unavailability Blurred vision, bitter taste, acidosis, hepatic necrosis
Dorzolamide 3x
Acetazolamide 2–4x Oral
Methazolamide 2–3x
Cholinomimetics Carbachol 3x Topical Open the TM by contraction of ciliary muscle forces Night blindness, blurred vision, burning eye sensation
Pilocarpine 3–4x DOG
Physostigmine 1–4x Plastic film
Alpha agonists (selective) Epinephrine 1–2x Topical Increased trabecular flow Tremor
Dipivefrin 2x Palpitation
Alpha agonists (non-selective) Brimonidinea 3x Topical Reduced aqueous production and increased uveoscleral flow Hyperemia, allergic conjunctivitis, itching, lacrimation
Apraclonidineb 3x

Notes:

a

Brimonidine has a dual mechanism of action;

b

apraclonidine only reduces aqueous production.

Abbreviations: POAG, primary open-angle glaucoma; DOG, drops, ointment, gel.