Many different drug classes can induce or adversely affect glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma risk increases with corticosteroids (which increase IOP), chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel and paclitaxcel, and general anaesthetics.²¹

Closed angle glaucoma can be precipitated by medicines affecting the size or shape of eye structures (eg by causing a tissue to swell or shrink), closing the drainage angle. Drugs with this potential include:²¹

• ·       direct and indirect adrenergic agents (eg ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline, salbutamol, terbutaline, mono-amine oxidase inhibitors, amphetamines, cocaine);

• ·       anticholinergics (eg atropine, cyclopentolate, ipratropium bromide);

• ·       tricyclic antidepressants (eg amitriptyline, imipramine);

• ·       SSRIs (eg venlafaxine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine);

• ·       antipsychotics (eg trifluoperazine);

• ·       botulinum toxin;

• ·       cholinergics (eg pilocarpine);

• ·       sulfa-drugs (eg trimethoprim, topiramate, acetazolamide);

• ·       antihistamines (promethazine);

• ·       H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine);

• ·       anti-Parkinsonian drugs (trihexyphenidyl, orphenadrine);

• ·       antiarrhythmics (disopyramide);

• ·       anticoagulants (by causing a bleed in the eye).