Comprehensive Review of Ocular, Otic, and
Reproductive Medications for Nursing Students
Rationales Graded A+
Beta Blockers
Timolol, Betaxolol
Mechanism of Action (Beta Blockers)
Decrease aqueous humor production → ↓ intraocular pressure
Therapeutic Uses (Beta Blockers)
Glaucoma (open-angle)
Side Effects (Beta Blockers)
Bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm
Nursing Care & Patient Education (Beta Blockers)
Monitor HR & BP; hold if HR < 50 bpm; avoid in asthma/COPD; do not touch dropper tip to
eye
Prostaglandin Analogs
Latanoprost
Mechanism of Action (Prostaglandin Analogs)
Increase aqueous humor outflow
Therapeutic Uses (Prostaglandin Analogs)
Glaucoma (open-angle)
Side Effects (Prostaglandin Analogs)
Eye color darkening, eyelash growth, eye irritation
Nursing Care & Patient Education (Prostaglandin Analogs)
Use once daily at night; remove contacts before use; expect gradual iris color change
, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Dorzolamide
Mechanism of Action (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors)
Decrease aqueous humor formation
Therapeutic Uses (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors)
Glaucoma (adjunct)
Side Effects (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors)
Bitter taste, burning eyes, sulfa cross-reactivity
Nursing Care & Patient Education (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors)
Check for sulfa allergy; avoid touching eye; wait 10 mins between eye meds
Antibiotics (Ear Pharmacology)
Ciprofloxacin otic, Ofloxacin
Mechanism of Action (Antibiotics)
Kills susceptible bacteria by inhibiting DNA gyrase
Therapeutic Uses (Antibiotics)
Otitis externa, otitis media
Side Effects (Antibiotics)
Local irritation, dizziness, ototoxicity (if systemic absorption)
Nursing Care & Patient Education (Antibiotics)
Warm drops before use; do not contaminate dropper; avoid cold drops (can cause vertigo)
Combination drops
Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone
Mechanism of Action (Combination drops)
Antibiotic + anti-inflammatory
Therapeutic Uses (Combination drops)
Otitis externa with inflammation