Glaucoma and other medications

[JanD236]

My GP has just prescribed Buscopan and the leaflet says that I shouldn’t take this if I have glaucoma. 

This led me to looking at other medications that I take which include antihistamines and occasional cough/cold remedies. It seems these also shouldn’t be taken if you have glaucoma. However, when it mentions glaucoma it seems to refer to closed angle whereas (I think) I have open angle glaucoma. 

Does anyone know if I’m safe to take these medications?

Thank you.

[KayGeeBee]

Not a direct answer to your question, but if Buscopan was recommended for IBS cramps you could try Vitamin D. I found that suggestion on an IBS forum about 10 years ago and it has served me well since.

[Eyeworrier]

As I understand it, the advice does not apply to people with open angle glaucoma. I wish they would make this clear in information leaflets - the lack of clarity causes a good deal of unnecessary alarm. My pharmacist recently checked a drug specifically for me and assured me it was ok but when I opened the packet the leaflet said it should not be used by glaucoma patients. So I rang my local eye unit for advice and was again assured it was perfectly ok. My consultant has also told me on other occasions that otc medicines for hay fever and seasickness are fine despite leaflet warnings. But I suggest you check what kind of glaucoma you have. I make a point of mentioning that I have POAG whenever I am prescribed any new medication.

[Safehaven23 in reply to Eyeworrier]

Thank you for shaing this - I have Glaucoma and also Long Covid Symptoms in the form of leg and muscle pain since April 2020 after I had what I am sure was the virus. Lack of improvement in mobility - which was fine previously - led me to listen to a video on the subject by Dr's who are now suggesting trying using Antihistamines to try and dampen down the cause of the pain. Some are more appropriate for this purpose than others - and I just ordered a month's supply via Amazon - as I will try anything now! Clarityn is a one a day remedy and contains the active ingredient loratadine, which reduces the levels of histamine in the body which can cause the inflammation/pain - is non drowsy and said to be the most appropriate for over 60's. Any success after a month and I will update...so important for long term sufferers. Local GP's can offer little help other than doubling up on Naproxen tabs for temporary relief.

[Beecalmed in reply to Safehaven23]

Hi! I am on prescribed daily loretadine for managing multiple allergies. I take it daily from April to November at my allergy consultants advice. I have POAG and my glaucoma consultant says it’s fine to take. But I have not noticed it reducing any inflammation in my body; it just seems to dampen down my bodies histamine response. 😕

[GardeningDorset123]

I've not taken buscopan..antihistamines or ibroprofen as they all say not to with glucoma