Which drug reduces aqueous humor production by 40-60% and is used in the emergency treatment of glaucoma?

Enhance your readiness for the Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating and Assessment Tool (PACKRAT) 4 Exam. Utilize our flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to ace your upcoming test!

Multiple Choice

Which drug reduces aqueous humor production by 40-60% and is used in the emergency treatment of glaucoma?

Explanation:
Carbonic anhydrase inhibition in the ciliary body decreases bicarbonate formation and fluid production, leading to a notable drop in aqueous humor and intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, produces roughly a 40–60% reduction in aqueous humor production and is used in acute glaucoma to rapidly lower IOP. Metoclopramide has no effect on eye pressure; glyburide is unrelated; timolol also lowers aqueous humor but typically not to the 40–60% range and is more often used for ongoing management rather than an emergency. Thus, acetazolamide best fits the described effect and emergency use.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibition in the ciliary body decreases bicarbonate formation and fluid production, leading to a notable drop in aqueous humor and intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, produces roughly a 40–60% reduction in aqueous humor production and is used in acute glaucoma to rapidly lower IOP. Metoclopramide has no effect on eye pressure; glyburide is unrelated; timolol also lowers aqueous humor but typically not to the 40–60% range and is more often used for ongoing management rather than an emergency. Thus, acetazolamide best fits the described effect and emergency use.

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