Flunoprost

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Flunoprost is a synthetic prostaglandin analog primarily used in the field of ophthalmology for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It functions by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) through the enhancement of aqueous humor outflow via the uveoscleral pathway.

Pharmacology

Flunoprost is a prodrug that is converted into its active form in the eye. It mimics the action of naturally occurring prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds that have various physiological effects, including the regulation of inflammation and blood flow. By binding to prostaglandin receptors in the eye, Flunoprost increases the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.

Clinical Use

Flunoprost is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is typically administered as an ophthalmic solution, with a recommended dosage of one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Flunoprost include:

• Conjunctival hyperemia (redness of the eye)
• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Changes in eyelash length, thickness, and number
• Darkening of the iris and periocular skin

Less common but more serious side effects may include:

• Macular edema
• Uveitis
• Keratitis

Mechanism of Action

Flunoprost acts by binding to the prostaglandin F receptor, which leads to increased uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humor. This mechanism is similar to that of other prostaglandin analogs used in glaucoma treatment, such as latanoprost and bimatoprost.

History

Flunoprost was developed as part of ongoing research into prostaglandin analogs for the treatment of glaucoma. It was approved for medical use after clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure with a favorable safety profile.

Research

Ongoing research is exploring the potential of Flunoprost in combination therapies with other glaucoma medications, as well as its long-term effects on ocular health.

Also see

• Glaucoma
• Prostaglandin analogs
• Ocular hypertension
• Latanoprost
• Bimatoprost

External

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

• Astigmatism

B

• Behçet's Disease* Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy

• Blepharitis* Blepharospasm

C

• Cataracts

• Coloboma

• Color Blindness

• Corneal Conditions

D

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Dry Eye

F

• Floaters

G

• Glaucoma

I

• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

L

• Low Vision

M

• Macular Edema

• Macular Hole

• Macular Pucker

P

• Pink Eye

R

• Rare Diseases

• Refractive Errors

• Retinal Detachment

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

• Retinoblastoma

• Retinopathy of Prematurity

S

• Stargardt Disease

U

• Usher Syndrome

• Uveitis

V

• Vitreous Detachment