Pharmacology and Medications Flashcards
6 cards from real Vision and Ophthalmology practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacology and Medications flashcards as text
Which systemic medication is associated with corneal and retinal deposits visible on slit-lamp examination?
Answer: Amiodarone
Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic, accumulates in corneal epithelium (verticillata) and rarely causes optic neuropathy; drug deposits are nearly universal but usually asymptomatic.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) toxicity most commonly affects which ocular structure?
Answer: Macula (retinal toxicity causing bull's eye maculopathy)
Hydroxychloroquine accumulates in the RPE and photoreceptors, causing irreversible parafoveal retinal toxicity — hence the need for regular OCT and visual field monitoring.
Oral acetazolamide (Diamox) reduces IOP by which mechanism?
Answer: Inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body, reducing aqueous production
Acetazolamide, a systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, reduces IOP by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body epithelium, dramatically decreasing aqueous secretion.
Dilute pilocarpine 0.1% is used diagnostically for which condition?
Answer: Adie's tonic pupil (supersensitivity denervation response)
Adie's tonic pupil shows denervation supersensitivity to dilute pilocarpine (0.1%), constricting abnormally, while a normal pupil shows minimal response.
Cocaine eye drops, used in the diagnosis of Horner syndrome, work by:
Answer: Blocking norepinephrine reuptake, causing dilation only if sympathetic innervation is intact
Cocaine blocks presynaptic norepinephrine reuptake; a normal eye dilates (intact sympathetics release NE) while a Horner eye fails to dilate (disrupted sympathetic chain).
Which preservative in topical ophthalmic medications is most commonly associated with corneal toxicity and dry eye exacerbation?
Answer: Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a detergent preservative that disrupts the tear film lipid layer, is cytotoxic to corneal epithelium and goblet cells, and exacerbates dry eye syndrome with chronic use.