Rhopressa drug class?

What drug is Rhopressa, and what class does it belong to?

Rhopressa is the brand name for netarsudil. It belongs to the class of Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors used in ophthalmology. [1]

How does a ROCK inhibitor like Rhopressa lower eye pressure?

ROCK inhibitors such as netarsudil work by affecting pathways involved in the eye’s drainage system, which can help increase outflow of aqueous humor and thereby reduce intraocular pressure. [1]

What condition is Rhopressa used for?

Rhopressa is indicated for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. [1]

Is Rhopressa different from prostaglandin analogs or beta blockers?

Yes. Rhopressa’s class (a Rho kinase inhibitor) differs from:
- Prostaglandin analogs (often first-line for lowering eye pressure)
- Beta blockers
- Alpha agonists
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Rhopressa targets eye-pressure reduction through a different mechanism tied to ROCK-related regulation of aqueous outflow. [1]

Source

1. DrugPatentWatch.com – Rhopressa (netarsudil): https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/ropressa