Unoprostone

Unoprostone (INN), classified as a prostaglandin analogue, has garnered attention in ophthalmic pharmacology<ref>Hellberg, M. R., McLaughlin, M. A., Sharif, N. A., DeSantis, L., Dean, T. R., & Kyba, E. P. (2001). Identification and characterization of the ocular hypotensive efficacy of travoprost, a potent and selective FP prostaglandin receptor agonist, and AL-6598, a DP prostaglandin receptor agonist. Survey of ophthalmology, 45, S205-S212.</ref>. Its isopropyl ester derivative, unoprostone isopropyl, is marketed under the brand name "Rescula" in a 0.15% eye drop formulation. Its primary applications include the management and treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension<ref>Sharif, N. A., & Wiernas, T. K. (2009). Human trabecular meshwork cell responses induced by bimatoprost, travoprost, unoprostone, and other FP prostaglandin receptor agonist analogues. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 50(2), 712-724.</ref>.

Chemical Classification and Structure

Unoprostone is part of the prostaglandin family, which includes lipid compounds exhibiting a wide spectrum of physiological properties. These molecules, derived enzymatically from fatty acids, significantly impact several physiological and pathological processes<ref>Ricciotti, E., & FitzGerald, G. A. (2011). Prostaglandins and inflammation. Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 31(5), 986-1000.</ref>.

Therapeutic Applications

Open-angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma, prevalent among glaucoma types, arises from the gradual blockage of the eye's drainage channels, leading to increased eye pressure. Unoprostone, by promoting the outflow of aqueous humor, assists in reducing this pressure, thus lowering the optic nerve damage risk<ref>Netland, P. A. (2001). Reduction of intraocular pressure with prostaglandins and prostamides. Survey of ophthalmology, 45, S93-S98.</ref>.

Ocular Hypertension

In ocular hypertension, where there's increased intraocular pressure without evident optic nerve damage or vision loss, unoprostone offers therapeutic benefits by managing this elevated pressure<ref>Fechtner, R. D., & Realini, T. (2004). Fixed combinations of topical glaucoma medications. Current opinion in ophthalmology, 15(2), 132-135.</ref>.

Formulation and Administration

The commercialized derivative, unoprostone isopropyl, comes as "Rescula" eye drops with a 0.15% concentration. Typically, an ophthalmologist determines the administration frequency and dosage based on the disease's severity.

Side Effects and Precautions

Unoprostone, akin to its prostaglandin analogues, may trigger side effects. Common manifestations include ocular irritation, redness, and potential eyelash growth alterations<ref>Liu, J. H., & Sit, A. J. (2011). Mechanism of side effects of prostaglandin analogs. In Glaucoma (pp. 145-152). Kugler Publications.</ref>. It remains crucial for patients to maintain regular consultations with their ophthalmologist throughout the treatment.

See Also

• Prostaglandins
• Glaucoma
• Ocular therapeutics

References

<references />

• FDA consumer information on Rescula

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