Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
2.0K
Bilateral Simultaneous Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Following Over-the-Counter Cold Medication
Chiara Vivarelli1,2, Marco Pellegrini1,2,3, Francesco Parmeggiani1,2
1Ophthalmology Clinic Operating Unit, Head and Neck Department, Arcispedale Sant'Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine
|March 2, 2026
Summary
Dextromethorphan, a common cough medicine, can trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this side effect and seeking prompt medical care to prevent vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure.
- Dextromethorphan is a widely available over-the-counter antitussive agent found in many cold and flu remedies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma occurring after dextromethorphan use.
- To emphasize the potential ocular side effects of common over-the-counter medications.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 65-year-old woman who developed AACG after taking dextromethorphan.
- Clinical examination including intraocular pressure measurement, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and gonioscopy.
- Management with medication cessation, antiglaucoma therapy, and laser iridotomy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with significantly elevated intraocular pressures (57 mmHg right eye, 50 mmHg left eye) and shallow anterior chambers.
- Gonioscopy confirmed bilateral angle closure.
- Treatment with medication withdrawal, medical management, and Nd:YAG laser iridotomy successfully normalized IOP and resolved the glaucoma attack.
Conclusions:
- Common over-the-counter cold and flu medications containing dextromethorphan can precipitate acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Predisposed individuals may be at higher risk.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential for preserving vision in cases of drug-induced AACG.
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
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
103
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...
103