Glaucoma: alpha-2 agonists: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Glaucoma: alpha-2 agonists

Sample item

Which antiglaucoma drug is contraindicated in infants because of central nervous system depression?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Brimonidine

Brimonidine crosses the immature blood-brain barrier and can cause apnoea, hypotonia and somnolence in infants. It lowers IOP by reducing aqueous production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.

Option by option

  • A. Latanoprost

    Latanoprost has no such effect.

  • B. Dorzolamide

    Dorzolamide is used in congenital glaucoma, with caution.

  • C. Brimonidine (correct)

    Correct. Brimonidine causes CNS depression in infants.

  • D. Pilocarpine

    Pilocarpine is not associated with this toxicity.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Brimonidine. Brimonidine crosses the immature blood-brain barrier and can cause apnoea, hypotonia and somnolence in infants.

Why is "Latanoprost" not the answer?

Latanoprost has no such effect.

Why is "Dorzolamide" not the answer?

Dorzolamide is used in congenital glaucoma, with caution.

Why is "Pilocarpine" not the answer?

Pilocarpine is not associated with this toxicity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Glaucoma: alpha-2 agonists in Ophthalmology. It lowers IOP by reducing aqueous production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Glaucoma: alpha-2 agonists?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.