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Demecarium Bromide for Veterinary Use

by Barbara Forney, VMD

Basic Information

Demecarium bromide is a potent, long acting cholinesterase- inhibitor used topically to treat acute glaucoma. Parasympathomimetic drugs cause contraction of the muscles associated with the ciliary body and of the iris sphincter. This allows increased outflow of aqueous humor by mechanically opening the iridocorneal angle. Parasympathomimetic drugs also increase aqueous humor protein and may cause vasodilation of the conjunctiva. In dogs, demecarium bromide has been shown to decrease intraocular pressure for up to 48 hours.

The most commonly used parasympathomimetic to treat primary glaucoma is 2% pilocarpine. Demecarium bromide is an alternative drug.

Dogs

Acute primary glaucoma generally is a breed-related hereditary condition. It is a true medical emergency. Topical prostaglandins are the first-line drugs of choice in the affected eye. Demecarium bromide often is used in the medical management of the non-affected eye. Almost all cases of primary glaucoma will become bilateral if the contralateral eye is not monitored and appropriately medicated. One of the advantages to demecarium bromide is that it may be administered once or twice a day.

Demecarium Bromide Side Effects

  • Local inflammation of the eye. Topical ophthalmic corticosteroids may be used to diminish irritation.
  • Systemic side-effects generally are related to GI distress, although cardiac-related symptoms are possible. Particular care should be exercised with small breed dogs or when high doses are used.

Precautions

  • Demecarium bromide should be used with caution with other cholinesterase inhibitors and with succinylcholine.
  • Demecarium bromide should not be used during pregnancy.
  • Demecarium bromide should not be used in animals with secondary glaucoma due to active anterior uveitis. Under these circumstances, it will both increase the pain and other symptoms.
  • Parasympathomimetic drugs may cause a flare up of iritis.

Drug Interactions

  • Sympathomimetic drugs such as dipivefrin also increase the outflow of aqueous humor but by a different mechanism than the parasympathomimetic drugs such as demecarium bromide. These drugs are synergistic and can be used in the same eye, although treatment should be spaced by five or 10 minutes.

Overdose

As with other parasympathomimetic drugs, overdose may cause GI distress, hypotension, bradycardia, and dyspnea.

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Overview

Therapeutic Class
Parasympathomimetic, carbamate inhibitor

Species
Dogs

May Be Prescribed by Vets for:
Glaucoma

Search for Available Dosage Forms

About the Author

Dr. Barbara Forney

Barbara Forney, VMD

Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.

She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing in 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.

Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.