Ophthalmologic Drug Guide

Drug therapy as an alternative to surgical intervention is becoming increasingly common. In the past five years, new anti-glaucoma agents have become increasingly effective. This edition will include new information on off-label prescribing and cap colors where they are mandated by the FDA (pink/white for steroid drops, grey for topical NSAIDS, etc.). There are now several new pharmaceutical agents being used to treat retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (Macugen, Lucentis, Visudyne), while other drugs formerly prescribed have now been shown to be less effective. Intraocular infections are primarily treated with intravitreal medications. Additionally, the anti-allergy and dry-eye markets continue to grow, with a new formulation of Allergan's Acular 0.5% (ketorolac tromethamine) and Elestat ophthalmic solution, its new antihistamine-mast cell stabilizer.