Which medication is linked to acute angle glaucoma?

Prepare for the ANCC Adult–Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Diphenhydramine is associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma due to its anticholinergic properties. This medication can lead to pupil dilation (mydriasis), which can trigger a rise in intraocular pressure in individuals who are predisposed to acute angle-closure glaucoma. This condition occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, often resulting in sudden increases in intraocular pressure, which can potentially lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

Other medications mentioned do not have strong associations with this specific type of glaucoma. Sildenafil is primarily used for erectile dysfunction and does not influence eye pressure significantly. Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, affects heart rhythm rather than directly impacting intraocular pressure. Lovastatin, a statin used for hyperlipidemia, does not relate to glaucoma pathophysiology. Therefore, when considering the implications of this question, diphenhydramine stands out as the medication with a well-established link to acute angle-closure glaucoma.

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