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Health Library Hyperosmotics for GlaucomaFrom Healthwise

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Hyperosmotics for Glaucoma

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
glycerin (glycerol)Osmoglyn
mannitolOsmitrol
ureaUreaphil

These medicines are used in liquid form or given through a needle into a vein (intravenous).

How It Works

Hyperosmotics draw water out of the fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eyes, decreasing the amount of fluid inside the eyes.

Why It Is Used

Hyperosmotics are usually used in emergencies to rapidly reduce pressure in the eyes, most often during episodes of closed-angle glaucoma. These medicines can also be used to lower the pressure in the eyes before or after glaucoma surgery.

How Well It Works

These medicines dry out the eye by changing the chemical balance in the bloodstream, causing water to be drawn out of the eye. Decreasing the fluid in the eye results in decreased pressure in the eye. But this effect does not last long.

Side Effects

Possible serious side effects of hyperosmotic medicines include:

  • Heart failure.
  • Bleeding within the brain.
  • Impaired kidney function.

Less serious side effects include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Confusion.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Glycerin by mouth should be used cautiously in people who have diabetes, because it can raise blood sugar levels.

These medicines are not used for long-term treatment of glaucoma. They are used in emergency situations when pressure in the eyes needs to be reduced rapidly. Because these medicines have serious side effects, people are monitored closely while they are being treated with these medicines.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerChristopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Last RevisedMay 5, 2010

Last Revised: May 5, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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