Prakt. lékáren. 2014; 10(5): 177-179

Drug-induced adverse effects on the eye and its function

Lukáš Láznička

Lékárna Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady, Praha

Over 20 classes of systematically administered drugs are reported to cause ocular adverse effects. Every part of the eye and all ocular

functions could be affected adversely. Adverse reactions can be classified according to the affected part of the eye or by the drug groups.

Eyelids, conjuntiva and uveal tract are frequently involved. Furthermore, drugs may cause accommodation disorder, mydriasis, increased

intraocular pressure (precipitate angle-closure glaucoma), retinopathy, cataract, pigment deposits in the cornea and lens, the higher

centers of vision impairment (optic nerve, cerebellum) and more. High risk groups include antihypertensives (beta blockers), antiarrhythmics

(amiodarone), glucocorticoids, antirheumatic (chloroquine, NSAIDs), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine), antidepressants (tricyclic

antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine), anticholinergics, antihistamines,

antibiotics (sulfonamides), antineoplastic agents (tamoxifen, taxanes) and drugs (alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine).

Keywords: adverse effects, eye functions, ocular toxicity, systemic drugs

Published: October 24, 2014  Show citation