A patient with open-angle glaucoma is started on a topical drug that reduces intraocular pressure by enhancing uveoscleral outflow AND constricting the pupil. Which drug is responsible?
- A Timolol
- B Latanoprost
- C Pilocarpine ✓
- D Brimonidine
Correct answer: C. Pilocarpine
Explanation
Pilocarpine is a direct muscarinic agonist that contracts the ciliary muscle, opening the trabecular meshwork to increase conventional outflow and also increases uveoscleral outflow; it simultaneously constricts the pupil (miosis) by contracting the iris sphincter. Timolol reduces aqueous humor production without affecting the pupil. Latanoprost enhances uveoscleral outflow but causes mydriasis or no pupil change. Brimonidine (alpha-2 agonist) reduces production with minimal pupil effect.
Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.