Bilateral simultaneous acute angle closure attack triggered by an over-the-counter flu medication.
Simona Delia Nicoară1, Ioana Damian2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8, V. Babeş Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. simonanicoara1@gmail.com.
International Ophthalmology
|July 3, 2017
Summary
Rare bilateral acute angle closure (AAC) can be triggered by flu medications containing specific drug classes. Patients with anatomical risk factors should be aware of this potential trigger for AAC.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bilateral acute angle closure (AAC) is rare, often linked to systemic factors like anesthesia or drug intake.
- Predisposing anatomical factors for AAC include shorter axial length, narrower anterior chamber depth, and thicker lenses.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male developed simultaneous bilateral AAC after taking flu medication.
- The medication contained an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist and an anticholinergic agent.
Findings:
- The patient possessed anatomical risk factors for AAC (shorter axial length, narrower anterior chamber, thicker lens).
- The flu medication acted as a trigger, precipitating bilateral AAC in this predisposed individual.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of bilateral AAC in patients with pre-existing anatomical predispositions.
- Ophthalmologists, other physicians, and patients should be aware of potential drug-induced AAC triggers.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.4K
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...
1.4K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
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...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.5K
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...
1.5K
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
4.9K
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
4.9K
01:26Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions
382
A drug interaction occurs when the concurrent use of another drug, food, or an external substance alters the pharmacological activity of a drug. This interaction can modify the action of the original drug, affecting its effectiveness and safety.Drug–food interactions are significant as they impact drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion. For example, grapefruit juice is a well-known disruptor of drug metabolism. It inhibits the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, crucial for the metabolism of...
382
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
480
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
480