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Contact dermatitis to topical drugs for glaucoma
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lakeside Hospital, Metairie, LA 7001, USA.
Summary
Topical glaucoma drugs can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Ten agents, including beta-blockers and pilocarpine, are implicated, with potential for cross-reactivity and rare systemic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma treatment often involves topical medications.
- Adverse reactions to ophthalmic drugs can impact patient adherence and outcomes.
- Contact dermatitis is a known side effect of some topical agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify agents causing contact dermatitis in topical glaucoma medications.
- To review documented cases of patch testing, cross-sensitization, and reactivity.
- To note systemic reactions associated with these topical treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on topical glaucoma medications.
- Identification of drugs associated with contact dermatitis.
- Analysis of reported patch testing, cross-reactivity, and systemic reactions.
Main Results:
- Ten agents identified as causing contact dermatitis.
- Includes beta-blockers (e.g., timolol), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (dorzolamide), a parasympathomimetic (pilocarpine), and sympathomimetics (dipivefrin, apraclonidine).
- Patch testing, cross-sensitization, and systemic reactions were documented.
Conclusions:
- Several classes of topical glaucoma drugs can induce contact dermatitis.
- Awareness of these agents is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Further investigation into cross-reactivity and systemic effects may be warranted.