Acute angle closure triggered by oral benzodiazepines

Fechamento angular agudo desencadeado por uso oral de benzodiazepínicos

ABSTRACT

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that are prescribed worldwide with limited information on their ocular side effects. Acute angle closure glaucoma is an adverse event with a high risk of blinding, especially in the elderly. We report two patients under 45 years old who presented with bilateral acute angle closure secondary to use of two long half-life benzodiazepines (clonazepam and alprazolam). In addition to suspending the use of these medications and administering ocular hypotensive drugs, both patients were successfully treated with bilateral peripheral laser iridotomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral acute angle closure secondary to the use of clonazepam and alprazolam.

Keywords:
Benzodiazepines/adverse effects; Intraocular pressure; Glaucoma, angle-closure/chemically induced; Iridectomy; Lasers