Demecarium bromide explained

Demecarium bromide, trade name Humorsol, is a carbamate parasympathomimetic drug that acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and is used as a glaucoma medication. It is applied directly to the eye in order to reduce elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma.^[1]

Demecarium causes constriction of the pupil (miosis), which improves the drainage of the fluid in the eye (aqueous humour).^[2] As demecarium reversibly inhibits cholinesterase, it can be administered less frequently than other parasympathomimetic drugs, such as carbachol.

Commercially produced demecarium bromide solution, previously sold under the trade name Humorsol,^[3] is no longer available,^[4] although solutions of demecarium can be compounded.^[5]

Use in dogs

When administered with a topical corticosteroid, demecarium can delay the onset of primary glaucoma in dogs. High doses of demecarium may cause organophosphate toxicity, particularly if flea treatments containing organophosphates are administered at the same time.

See also

• Diisopropyl fluorophosphate

Notes and References

1. Book: Jeske AH . Mosby's dental drug reference . 2014 . Elsevier Mosby . St. Louis, Missouri . 978-0-323-16916-5 . 374 . 11th . https://books.google.com/books?id=OcU0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PR548 . Demecarium bromide.
2. Book: Stein HA, Stein RM, Freeman M . Ophthalmic dictionary and vocabulary builder for eye care professionals . 2012 . Jaypee Brothers Medical . New Delhi . 9789350253656 . 103 . 4th . Demecarium bromide (Humorsol) . https://books.google.com/books?id=-xnRmiZBzqwC&pg=PA103.
3. Book: Edmunds MW, Mayhew MS . Pharmacology for the primary care provider . 2013 . Elsevier Health Sciences . 978-0-323-08790-2 . 174 . 4th .
4. Book: Maggs DJ, Miller PE, Ofri R . Slatter's Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology . 2013 . Elsevier . St. Louis, Missouri . 978-1-4377-2367-0 . 51 . 5th . https://books.google.com/books?id=8QCduRN3zR0C&pg=PA51 . Indirect-acting parasympathomimetic agents.
5. Alario AF, Strong TD, Pizzirani S . Medical Treatment of Primary Canine Glaucoma . The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice . 45 . 6 . 1235–59, vi . November 2015 . 26319445 . 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.06.004 .