Pirenoxine

Pirenoxine is a small molecule drug used primarily in the treatment and possible prevention of cataracts. It is typically administered as an ophthalmic solution. The mechanism of action involves inhibition of lens opacification, which may be mediated by antioxidant effects, prevention of oxidative attacks on the lens, and inhibition of protein denaturation. Pirenoxine has also been shown to interact with selenite and calcium ions—factors implicated in cataract formation—thereby reducing lens cloudiness in experimental models. Additionally, it may exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting oxidative catabolism of arachidonic acid (reducing prostaglandin production) and increasing glutathione levels at the crystalline lens level[2][3][5][6][7]. While widely prescribed for over six decades, especially in Asia, its clinical efficacy remains controversial due to mixed results from clinical trials[7][8].

Brand names

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Other names

pirenoxinapirenoxinumsodium pirenoxine