Drug Groups

approved

Description

An irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor with actions similar to those of echothiophate. It is a powerful miotic used mainly in the treatment of glaucoma. Its vapor is highly toxic and it is recommended that only solutions in arachis oil be used therapeutically. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 29th ed, p1330)

Indication

For use in the eye to treat certain types of glaucoma and other eye conditions, such as accommodative esotropia.

Pharmacology

Isoflurophate is used as ocular drops in the treatment of chronic glaucoma. Isoflurophate is an organophosphorus compound that acts as an irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor. As such, it displays parasympathomimetic effects. Isoflurophate is used in the eye to treat certain types of glaucoma and other eye conditions, such as accommodative esotropia. They may also be used in the diagnosis of certain eye conditions, such as accommodative esotropia. Isoflurophate damages the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and is therefore irreversible, however, pralidoxime can displace organophosphates such as isoflurophate from acetylcholinesterase, but only if administered before isoflurophate damages (alkylates) the enzyme.

Toxicity

Signs of overdose include increased sweating, loss of bladder control, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps or pain, shortness of breath, tightness in chest, or wheezing, slow or irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness or weakness, watering of mouth.

Affected Organisms

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