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Intraocular pressure elevation associated with inhalation and nasal corticosteroids
I Opatowsky1, R M Feldman, R Gross
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla.
Ophthalmology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Nasal and inhaled corticosteroids can cause elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in susceptible individuals. Monitoring IOP is recommended for patients using these medications, as some may require intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroid use is a known cause of ocular hypertension.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) from nasal or inhaled corticosteroids is infrequently documented.
Observation:
- Three patients experienced increased IOP potentially linked to beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray or inhaler.
- Two patients' IOP normalized after discontinuing nasal corticosteroid spray.
- One patient required IOP-lowering medication while continuing inhaled corticosteroids.
Findings:
- Beclomethasone dipropionate, delivered via nasal spray or inhalation, may induce ocular hypertension.
- A subset of patients may exhibit sustained IOP elevation or require pharmacological management.
- One patient also showed an ocular hypertensive response to oral steroids, suggesting broader corticosteroid sensitivity.
Implications:
- Susceptible individuals may develop ocular hypertension from commonly used nasal and inhaled corticosteroids.
- Ophthalmological surveillance of intraocular pressure is advisable for patients using these medications.
- This highlights the importance of considering alternative treatments or monitoring for patients with risk factors for elevated IOP.