Prostaglandin F2α analogues in glaucoma management

Abstract

Prostaglandin F2α analogues are the most recent class of ocular hypotensive drugs that have become available for clinical use in patients with glaucoma. The terms `prostanoids' and `prostaglandin analogues' have been used to identify a group of compounds that are structural analogues of naturally occurring prostaglandin F2α; however, each drug has a different molecular structure that confers slightly different properties. The introduction of this group of antiglaucomatous drugs represented a revolution in glaucoma treatment not only as a result of their novel mechanism of action, but also due to the potent ocular hypotensive effect. Most prostaglandin F2α analogues are considered to be a first-line treatment for glaucoma. Although prostaglandin F2α analogues have a low incidence of systemic side effects (in contrast to those reported for other antiglaucomatous medications), their use has been associated with local adverse effects, including a novel intriguing side effect: prostaglandin-induced increased iridial pigmentation.