Eye and Ear Medication Lecture Notes

Eye Medication

Acetazolamide

• Purpose: Lowers pressure inside the eye by decreasing fluid secretion (used in glycoma patients).
• Indication: Chronic open-angle glycoma.
• Patient Teaching:
  • Report paresthesia in the facial regions immediately (numbness, tingling, burning around mouth, tongue, lips).
• Contraindication: Allergy to sulfa drugs.

Anticholinergics and Glycoma

• Avoid all anticholinergics in glycoma patients.
• Top 4 anticholinergic drugs to avoid:
  • Atropine
  • Benzytropine
  • Ipratropium
  • Oxybutynin
• Anticholinergics cause dryness (antisecretions), damaging for glycoma patients.

Eye Medication Administration Tips

1. Conjunctival Sac: Drop medication into the conjunctival sac, not directly into the eye.
   • Avoid touching the dropper to the eye (prevents damage and infection).
2. Gently Close & Rotate Eyes: Do not rub eyes post-administration.
3. Gentle Pressure on Canthus Duct: Prevents rapid systemic absorption.
   • Useful for medications like timolol.
   • Avoid wiping eye from outside to inside.
4. Wait 5 Minutes: Before administering another medication in the same eye.

Ear Medication

Administration Tips

1. Positioning:
   • Affected ear up: Tilt head or lay down with affected ear up.
2. Straightening Ear Canal:
   • Adults: Pull ear up and out.
   • Children: Pull ear down and back.
3. Maintain Position: Remain tilted or sidelined for 2-5 minutes post-administration.
4. Safety: Do not touch the dropper to the ear (prevents damage).
5. Temperature:
   • Keep medication warm or at room temperature (avoid cold).

Conclusion

• Review quiz and study guides for further learning.