Glaucoma Drug Therapy in Pregnancy: Literature Review and Teratology Information Service (TIS) Case Series

Curr Drug Saf. 2018;13(1):3-11. doi: 10.2174/1574886312666171030125804.

Abstract

Background: There are many contradictions about pregnancy and fetal/neonatal outcomes after topical use of timolol alone or timolol in combination with other antiglaucoma medications.

Methods: Seventy-five pregnant women exposed to antiglaucoma medications were followed prospectively by phone interviews. 27 women used timolol as monotherapy, 48 women used timolol as a part of multidrug therapy. We selected a control group of 187 healthy pregnant women.

Results: Topical use of timolol alone or timolol in combination with other antiglaucoma medications does not influence pregnancy or fetal/neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: Beta-blocker is the first choice treatment for glaucoma in pregnancy but, when necessary, multidrug therapy should not to be excluded.

Keywords: Congenital anomalies; Teratology Information Service (TIS).; drugs; glaucoma; pregnancy; prenatal diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage*
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects
  • Congenital Abnormalities / epidemiology
  • Congenital Abnormalities / prevention & control
  • Counseling / methods*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / drug therapy*
  • Glaucoma / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Information Services*
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Teratology
  • Timolol / administration & dosage*
  • Timolol / adverse effects

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Timolol