many in the medical field consider otc sleeping aids to be a controversial treatment for insomnia. caution should be exercised before taking of these medications even by individuals who do not possess a comorbid conditions such as glaucoma. these otc sleeping aids typically contain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. this active ingredient may provide a sedative effect. it may also produce an anticholinergic effect on the body. one of those anticholinergic effects can cause the pupil to dilate and obstruct eye drainage. it could possibly increase eye pressure to unsafe levels. this phenomenon occurs more often with closed angle than open angle glaucoma. it is suggested to discuss the type of glaucoma that was diagnosed and to determine if otc sleeping aids will precipitate a closed angle glaucoma emergency.
what is the relationship between sleep aids such as tylenol pm and glaucoma? . on otc sleep aids the directions say that those who have glaucoma should not take these substances. why ot?