Definition of the Disease
Before considering the potential drugs that will be efficient in glaucoma treatment, it is essential to determine the peculiarities of this illness. As glaucoma definition, it is important to state that it is damage to a back nerve of the human’s eye that results in vision loss or blindness (Glaucoma Medicines, 2021). Noteworthy, this nerve is called the optic nerve and is a crucial component of the person’s eyesight (Iqbal & Samples, 2020).
Therefore, the interventions needed for glaucoma treatment assume complex surgical measures that can be provided only by professionals. In their book, the authors Iqbal and Samples (2020) state, “A truly definitive treatment for glaucoma is most likely to be largely surgical, as it is doubtful that patients will continue to use glaucoma drugs in the future…” (p. 7). Therefore, glaucoma can be assessed as a severe disease with extreme adverse outcomes that require prompt interventions and treatment.
Etiology of Disease
As the most common cause of glaucoma, one should mention the age factor. Particularly, the researchers have stated that people over 65 years old are prone to optic nerve damage more often compared to younger ones (Glaucoma Medicines, 2021). Another reason connected with glaucoma etiology is the increased level of intraocular pressure (IOP) (Glaucoma Medicines, 2021). The liquid aqueous humor that is essential for eye functioning can experience an imbalance in its production and drainage (Iqbal & Samples, 2020).
Consequently, the IOP will differ from the normal condition, which will damage the eye in general. However, the potentiality of glaucoma can be identified as common for many people with specific abnormalities not only in their eyesight but also in other body parts. For example, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases can play a significant role in creating a basis for glaucoma disease (Netland, 2020). Moreover, to the potential reasons for glaucoma, it is important to stress that the inheritable aspect is also crucial.
Effects of the Disease on the Body
As the primary adverse effect of glaucoma, one should state the significant worsening of the eyesight. Remarkably, there are both visible and invisible aspects of it. The person starts to feel blurred vision and fatigue that influences the entire body. Other symptoms in other body parts, such as cold hands and dry mouth, are possible in glaucoma conditions (Iqbal & Samples, 2020). Among specific issues that cannot be noticed promptly, one should state the lowering of blood pressure (Netland, 2020). Finally, the most adverse side-effect caused by the chosen illness is the complete loss of eyesight.
The Discussion of a Drug
Mechanism of Action
For the chosen drug to treat glaucoma, the type of Nitric oxide drug, Vyzulta (latanoprostene bunod), was selected. As was stated previously, the significant adverse effect of the disease is the abnormality in the level of intraocular pressure. According to Drugs.com, the primary function of Vyzulta is to “lower the pressure inside the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye” (p. 1). It is an essential action that allows the eye to combat glaucoma side effects and increase its functioning quality.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
To understand how Vyzulta works in terms of glaucoma reduction, it is vital to consider the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) model. In the absorption stage, the Vyzulta’s primary component, latanoprostene bunod, is absorbed by the eye, which results in the increase of fluid. As the distribution stage, one should note that the eye distributes the fluid on its surface while increasing the effectiveness of the drug. The metabolic activation stage of Vyzulta’s action process assumes the transition from latanoprostene bunid to butanediol mononitrate and latanoprost acid. It also contributes to the reduction of the IOP (Drugs.com, n. d.). Finally, in the fourth stage, in the excretion stage, the additional elements from latanoprostene bunod, such as the metabolites, are eliminated from the eye’s surface. The ADME process depicts the entire action scheme of Vyzulta’s functioning.
Drug Interactions
The first interaction with Vyzulta can be considered with the drug bimatoprost ophthalmic. It is assessed as moderate from the antagonistic category and should be used only with specific prescriptions due to the possibility of reducing the pressure-lowering effect (Drugs.com, n.d.). Another interaction is with the bimatoprost topical, which also should be stated as moderate and from the excretion interaction category. Finally, the third possible adverse effect from the interaction is with the drug latanoprost ophthalmic, which also can reduce the lowering of the pressure provided by Vyzulta and can be named a topical medication interaction due to the mixing of both drugs’ drops (Netland, 2020). Consequently, it is crucial to consult with a doctor to obtain qualitative prescriptions.
Adverse Effects
The adverse effects of the Vyzulta differ in their significance. As the most common side-effect, it is vital to mention eye irritation (Netland, 2020). In specific cases, the irritation can be painful, causing significant discomfort for the patient. Finally, the most common issue, according to Drugs.com (n. d.), is “redness of the white part of the eyes or the inside of the eyelids” (p. 1). These effects should be addressed promptly to avoid worsening the situation.
Conclusion
It is essential to state that glaucoma is a severe illness that requires prompt and specific approaches to conduct treatment. Despite the fact that doctors believe that it can be treated primarily through surgical intervention, the use of drugs is possible. One of them that can be effective is Vyzulta. This medication can lower pressure inside the eye and reduce glaucoma’s side effects. However, one should be aware of possible interactions that can reduce its positive effects.
References
National Eye Institute. (2021). Glaucoma medicines. National Institutes of Health. Web.
Iqbal, I. A., & Samples, J. R. (2020). Current developments in glaucoma surgery and MIGS. Kugler Publications.
Netland, P. A. (2020). Glaucoma medical therapy: Principles and management. Kugler Publications.
Vyzulta Interactions. (n. d.). Drugs. Web.
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