A P P E N D I X D
Ophthalmic agents
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TABLE D Ophthalmic agents (continued)
Drug
Usage
Special considerations
brinzolamide (Azopt,
BrinzoQuin)
To decrease intraocular pressure in
open-angle glaucoma
May be given with other agents; dosage: one
drop t.d.s.; give 10 minutes apart from any
other agents
brinzolamide with timolol
(Azarga)
To decrease intraocular pressure in
open-angle glaucoma
Shake bottle well prior to use. Apply one drop
to affected eye b.d.
carbachol (Isopto, Miostat)
Direct-acting miotic; for treatment of
glaucoma; miosis during surgery
Surgical dose: a one-use-only portion; for
glaucoma: 1–2 drops up to t.d.s. as needed
chloramphenicol
(Chloromycetin, Chlorsig)
Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis
and other eye infections
Chronic use may result in toxicity
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
(CiloQuin, Ciloxin)
Treatment of severe bacterial
conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers
May cause local burning or stinging, crystalline
precipitate
cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl)
Mydriasis/cycloplegia in diagnostic
procedures
Individuals with dark-pigmented irises may
require higher doses; compress lacrimal
sac for 1–2 minutes after administration to
decrease any systemic absorption
dexamethasone (Maxidex)
Treatment of inflammation and
allergic conditions
Apply 1–2 drops 4–6 times daily; not to be used
with contact lenses
diclofenac sodium (Voltaren
Ophtha)
Photophobia: for use in individuals
undergoing incisional refractive
surgery
Apply one drop q.i.d. beginning 24 hours after
cataract surgery; continue through the first
2 weeks after surgery
dorzolamide (Trusopt)
Treatment of elevated IOP in
open-angle glaucoma or ocular
hypertension
A sulfonamide; monitor individuals taking
parenteral sulfonamides for possible adverse
effects
dorzolamide 2% and timolol
0.5% (Cosopt)
To decrease IOP in open-angle
glaucoma or ocular hypertension in
individuals who do not respond to
beta-blockers alone
Administer one drop in affected eye b.d;
monitor for cardiac failure; if absorbed,
may mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia or
thyrotoxicosis
fluorescein sodium (generic)
Staining of the eye for ophthalmic
examination
Care needs to be taken to ensure solution is
kept sterile due to potential spread of eye
infection
fluorometholone (Flarex,
Flucon, FML)
Topical corticosteroid used for
treatment of inflammatory
conditions of the eye
Improvement should occur within several
days; discontinue if no improvement is seen;
discontinue if swelling of the eye occurs
framycetin sulfate
(Soframycin)
Treatment of conjunctivitis, minor
infections, corneal abrasion
Two drops q 1–2 hours decreasing to 2–3 drops
t.d.s.
furbiprofen (Ocufen)
Inhibition of intraoperative miosis
One drop half-hourly commencing 2 hours
prior to surgery to total of four drops
gentamicin (Genoptic)
Treatment of external eye infection
1–2 drops into affected eye q 4 hours; apply
pressure to tear duct following administration
homatropine (Isopto
Homatropine)
Long-acting mydriatic and
cycloplegic used for refraction
and treatment of inflammatory
conditions of the uveal tract
Individuals with dark-pigmented irises may
require larger doses; 5–10 minutes is usually
required for refraction
hydrocortisone (Siguent
Hycor Ointment)
Treatment of inflammatory eye
conditions
Apply to affected eye(s) b.d. to q.i.d.
ketorolac (Acular)
Temporary relief of symptoms of
allergic conjunctivitis
One drop q.i.d. for up to 4 weeks
ketotifen (Zaditen)
Temporary relief of itching due to
allergic conjunctivitis
Remove contact lenses before use—may be
replaced 10 minutes after administration; an
antihistamine/mast cell stabiliser
latanoprost (Xalatan)
Treatment of open-angle glaucoma or
ocular hypertension in individuals
intolerant or unresponsive to other
agents
Remove contact lenses before use and for
15 minutes after use; allow at least 5 minutes
between this and the use of any other agents;
expect blurring of vision
latanoprost with timolol
(Xalacom)
Treatment of open-angle glaucoma or
ocular hypertension in individuals
intolerant or unresponsive to other
agents
Apply pressure to tear duct immediately
following administration. Remove contact
lenses before use and for 15 minutes after use
lodoxamide (Lomide)
Treatment of vernal conjunctivitis
and keratitis
Individuals should not wear contact lenses
while using this drug; discontinue if stinging
or burning persists after instillation
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