Related Experiment Videos

[Ocular hypertension in children treated with brimonidine 0.2%. A clinical study]

I Montero-de-Espinosa1, R Márquez-de-Aracena, C Morales

  • 1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain. eignacio.montero.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es

Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|March 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Topical brimonidine 0.2% effectively lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in children when beta-blockers were contraindicated. However, local stinging and somnolence were common side effects observed during treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intraocular hypertension (IOP) in children requires effective management.
  • Beta-blockers are a common treatment but may be contraindicated in some pediatric cases.
  • Alternative topical agents are needed for managing pediatric IOP when beta-blockers are not suitable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the safety and efficacy of topical brimonidine 0.2% in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the impact of brimonidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) in children.
  • To identify common adverse events associated with topical brimonidine use in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study was conducted on twelve pediatric patients (21 eyes).
  • Patients required topical treatment for intraocular hypertension.
  • Brimonidine 0.2% was used topically, with beta-blockers being contraindicated.

Main Results:

  • An average decrease in IOP of 5 ± 1.8 mmHg (21% of baseline) was observed.
  • Local stinging was a frequent side effect, reported in 52.4% of cases.
  • Somnolence was reported in two pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

  • Topical brimonidine 0.2% demonstrates efficacy in reducing IOP in children with contraindications to beta-blockers.
  • While effective, careful monitoring for local side effects like stinging is necessary.
  • The potential for systemic side effects such as somnolence should also be considered in pediatric use.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems01:23

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...