Netarsudil
About
Netarsudil is an anti-glaucoma agent belonging to the class of medicines called rho kinase inhibitors indicated for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. Ocular hypertension is increased pressure in the eye due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow).
Netarsudil contains ‘netarsudil’, which works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour; this helps lower the increased pressure in the eye. Thereby, Netarsudil helps treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
You are advised to use Netarsudil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as blurred vision, instillation site pain, and redness of the eye. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Netarsudil is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Netarsudil might cause blurred vision; so, drive only if you are alert. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper as it may contaminate the contents. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Netarsudil
Medicinal Benefits
Netarsudil is an anti-glaucoma agent belonging to the class of medicines called rho kinase inhibitors indicated for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Netarsudil works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour, thereby helps lower the increased pressure in the eye.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Netarsudil
- Blurred vision
- Instillation site pain
- Eye redness
- Conjunctival haemorrhage (bright red patch on the conjunctiva)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Netarsudil if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have/had asthma, cataract removal, COPD, liver/kidney problems, or if you have other eye diseases. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Netarsudil is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Netarsudil might cause blurred vision; so, drive only if you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Netarsudil. Please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will decide if Netarsudil can be used by pregnant women or not.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will decide if Netarsudil can be used by breastfeeding women or not.
Driving
cautionNetarsudil might cause blurred vision. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Netarsudil in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Netarsudil in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
unsafeNetarsudil is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid intake of baked foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts or fried items such as french fries and stick margarine as these foods may worsen glaucoma and damage the optic nerve.
- Cut down your coffee intake as it may increase pressure in the eye. Replace coffee with green tea.
- Avoid exercises such as any position where the head is lower than the body, like an inverted yoga pose, as it may increase pressure in the eye. Doing selective exercises is advised for glaucoma patients.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Glaucoma: It is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve (essential for good vision) due to abnormally increased pressure in the eye. If it is not treated in time, it may cause blindness. Usually, there are no symptoms for glaucoma initially, except the slow loss of vision gradually. However, some symptoms include visible rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights or blurred vision. Rarely, glaucoma can develop suddenly with intense pain in the eye, visual disturbance, or nausea.
Ocular hypertension: It is a condition caused due to poor drainage of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye that maintains normal pressure by its continuous flow). This leads to a build-up of excess fluid in the eye resulting in increased pressure inside the eye without any damage to the optic nerve. If ocular hypertension is not controlled, it may lead to glaucoma.
FAQs
Netarsudil works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour, thereby helps lower the increased pressure in the eye.
Do not stop using Netarsudil on your own without consulting your doctor as it might increase the pressure in the eye leading to a permanent eye injury. Continue using Netarsudil for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you to treat your condition effectually. Consult the doctor in case of any concern.
Netarsudil might cause blurred vision for some time immediately after use. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear to prevent any mishappening.
Netarsudil can be used with other eye medications if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 5-10minutes between Netarsudil and other eye medications.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Netarsudil. Remove contact lenses before using Netarsudil and put them back 15 minutes after using Netarsudil.
