A nurse is reviewing a medication record and notes glaucoma. Which action regarding cyclobenzaprine should be taken?

A nurse is reviewing a medication record and notes glaucoma. Which action regarding cyclobenzaprine should be taken?

• A. Discontinue or avoid the medication
• B. Continue as prescribed without change
• C. Increase the dose gradually
• D. Monitor glucose levels

Answer: (A)

Glaucoma protection hinges on avoiding drugs with anticholinergic effects, because these medications can dilate the pupil and reduce the outflow of aqueous humor, raising intraocular pressure. Cyclobenzaprine has significant anticholinergic activity, which can worsen glaucoma or trigger an acute angle-closure crisis. Because of this risk, the medication should be discontinued or avoided in a patient with glaucoma to prevent possible vision threats. It isn’t about adjusting the dose or monitoring glucose—those don’t address the glaucoma risk. If a muscle relaxant is needed, choose alternatives with fewer anticholinergic effects and consult the prescriber for a safer option.

Glaucoma protection hinges on avoiding drugs with anticholinergic effects, because these medications can dilate the pupil and reduce the outflow of aqueous humor, raising intraocular pressure. Cyclobenzaprine has significant anticholinergic activity, which can worsen glaucoma or trigger an acute angle-closure crisis. Because of this risk, the medication should be discontinued or avoided in a patient with glaucoma to prevent possible vision threats. It isn’t about adjusting the dose or monitoring glucose—those don’t address the glaucoma risk. If a muscle relaxant is needed, choose alternatives with fewer anticholinergic effects and consult the prescriber for a safer option.