Pigment deposition on the conjunctiva is associated with which drug family?

Pigment deposition on the conjunctiva is associated with which drug family?

• A. Tetracycline family
• B. Prostaglandins
• C. Isotretinoin
• D. Beta blockers

Answer: (A)

Tetracyclines are known for causing pigment deposition in pigmented tissues, including the conjunctiva, after long-term use. Minocycline, in particular, can lead to slate-gray to brown discoloration of the conjunctiva (and other mucous membranes and skin) as the drug or its pigments accumulate in tissues. The conjunctiva’s vascular and mucous membrane nature makes it susceptible to this deposition, and the discoloration can persist even after stopping the medication. Prostaglandin analogs mainly cause iris pigmentation and periocular changes but not conjunctival pigment deposition. Isotretinoin doesn’t typically produce conjunctival pigmentation, and beta blockers are more associated with dry eye and conjunctival hyperemia rather than pigment deposition.

Tetracyclines are known for causing pigment deposition in pigmented tissues, including the conjunctiva, after long-term use. Minocycline, in particular, can lead to slate-gray to brown discoloration of the conjunctiva (and other mucous membranes and skin) as the drug or its pigments accumulate in tissues. The conjunctiva’s vascular and mucous membrane nature makes it susceptible to this deposition, and the discoloration can persist even after stopping the medication.

Prostaglandin analogs mainly cause iris pigmentation and periocular changes but not conjunctival pigment deposition. Isotretinoin doesn’t typically produce conjunctival pigmentation, and beta blockers are more associated with dry eye and conjunctival hyperemia rather than pigment deposition.