Eye Drops

Adrenergic Agents

• Apraclonidine
• Brimonidine

Beta-blockers

• Timolol maleate
• Timolol hemihydrate
• Levobunolol
• Metipranolol
• Carteolol
• Betaxolol

Prostaglandin analogs

• Bimatoprost
• Latanoprost
• Travoprost

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

• Dorzolamide
• Brinzolamide

Miotics (Parasympathomimetic agents) (rarely used)

• Pilocarpine
• Carbachol/Carbamylcholine
• Echothiophate iodide

Herbals

Medical marijuana

Adrenergic Agents

Common names are:

• Apraclonidine
• Brimonidine

These medicines lower the amount of fluid in the eye.

Some problems are:

• Allergic reaction
• Eye watering or discharge
• Dry eye
• Eye redness or burning
• Problems seeing, such as blurry vision
• A feeling that something is in the eye
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Redness, burning, or swelling of the skin
• Feeling very tired

Beta-Blockers

Common names are:

• Timolol maleate
• Timolol hemihydrate
• Levobunolol
• Metipranolol
• Carteolol
• Betaxolol

These medicines work to lower eye pressure by causing the eye to make fluid more slowly.

Some problems are:

• Damage to the cornea
• Allergic reaction
• Heart failure
• Problems breathing
• Slow heart beat
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Prostaglandin Analogs

• Bimatoprost
• Latanoprost
• Travoprost

These medicines work to lower pressure in the eye by increasing the flow of fluid from the eye.

Some problems are:

• Fluid buildup and swelling
• Red eyes
• Darkening of the skin around the eyelids
• Darkening of the colored part of the eye

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Common names are:

• Dorzolamide
• Brinzolamide

These medicines work to lower pressure by decreasing the amount of fluid the eye makes. Oral forms are usually only used during a sudden attack. People with sulfa allergies should talk to their doctor before using this medicine. People with some medical problems, such as blood disorders, liver disease, or sickle cell disease should also talk with their doctor about problems that could happen. A person will need regular blood tests while taking these drugs.

Some problems from topical medicines may be:

• A metal taste in the mouth
• Allergic reaction
• Eye swelling

Some problems from oral medicines may be:

• A metal taste in the mouth
• Lack of energy
• Kidney stones
• Depression
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome that causes red or dark sores on the skin and mouth, fever, and other problems

Miotics (Cholinergic Agents) (Rarely Used)

Common names are:

• Pilocarpine
• Carbachol
• Echothiophate

These medicines help fluid drain from the eye. They also reduce the size of the pupil. They can cause problems when used with some anesthetic medicines.

Some problems are:

• Eye irritation
• Tearing
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Problems seeing in dim light

Herbals

Some states allow residents to use medical marijuana for health problems. Medical marijuana does lower eye pressure, but the effect only lasts for a short time. It is not advised to treat glaucoma.