Bt. Scott, TOPICAL CARBONIC-ANHYDRASE INHIBITORS - POTENTIAL ADJUVANTS TO GLAUCOMA THERAPY IN THE FUTURE, Optometry and vision science, 71(5), 1994, pp. 332-338
Systemically administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitors lower intraocu
lar pressure (IOP) by decreasing aqueous production. Their clinical us
efulness is limited, however, because they often cause ill-tolerated s
ide effects, and on occasion may be associated with serious adverse re
actions. In the past, attempts at topical formulations of carbonic anh
ydrase inhibitors did not achieve desired results. Recent modification
s to improve pharmacokinetics have lead to the development of topical
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that decrease IOP with minimal side effe
cts. Thus, this class of drugs may soon become an additional therapy f
or treating open-angle glaucoma. This paper discusses the development
of topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, including both unsuccessful
and promising endeavors. It also summarizes the current understanding
of the chemistry, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and side eff
ects of these future glaucoma therapy adjuvants.