The country’s apex drug side-effects monitoring agency has issued an alert over two medicines — eye drops and a high blood pressure medication — due to their newly found side effects, News18 has learnt.
The monthly drug safety alert, issued on June 28 by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), has advised patients to closely monitor the side effects of Acetazolamide and Amlodipine.
While Acetazolamide is used in the treatment of glaucoma post-operation, Amlodipine is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart-related chest pain (also called angina). Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve located at the back of the eye.
The alert stated that Acetazolamide has shown adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of “choroidal effusion or choroidal detachment” which means accumulation of fluid in a layer of the eye. Amlodipine has shown side effects of “Lichenoid Keratosis” which is a skin condition characterised by small, reddish-brown or pink patches on the skin.
“Healthcare professionals, patients or consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADRs associated with the use of above suspected drugs,” the alert said, adding that “If, such reactions are encountered, please report…”
Recognise symptoms early: Experts
Experts emphasise the importance of early recognition of the signs as timely intervention can prevent side effects.
For instance: According to Dr Sanjiv Gupta, director and senior eye surgeon at New Delhi-based i Care Centre, drug Acetazolamide is commonly used post-operatively in cataract surgery to lower intraocular pressure.
“However, despite its efficacy, clinicians should be aware of its potential side effect of ciliochoroidal effusion, leading to secondary angle-closure glaucoma.”
He said that this side effect is rare but it causes a serious condition.
Experts advise that recognising the signs early is crucial as prompt management can prevent permanent vision loss. “Patients presenting post-operatively with symptoms such as ocular pain, headache, and blurred vision should be evaluated for this complication. Treatment typically involves discontinuing Acetazolamide among other options. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required,” Gupta said, adding that the benefits of Acetazolamide in managing postoperative conditions are significant but careful monitoring for adverse effects is important to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Kochi wing of the Indian Medical Association, explained that the skin lesion described with the blood pressure pill Amlodipine is called Lichenoid Keratosis. “It is a benign non-cancerous condition, which is also linked with several other medications.”
When the drug is taken for high blood pressure, it normalises pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, which reduces the pressure on them. Additionally, it improves oxygen flow throughout the body, helping to prevent heart-related chest pain.
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