The ocular hypotensive agent causing apnoea in infants is
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of the systemic effects of ocular hypotensive agents, particularly in infants. The correct answer is related to the pharmacological properties of a specific agent that can cause respiratory depression in neonates.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Timolol. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker used in the management of glaucoma. It works by reducing intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor. However, its systemic absorption can lead to beta-blockade, resulting in respiratory depression, especially in infants. This is because the immature lungs of neonates are highly sensitive to beta-blockers, which can cause apnea.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used in the treatment of glaucoma. It does not cause systemic effects like beta-blockade and is not associated with respiratory depression in infants.
**Option B:** Brimonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to lower intraocular pressure. While it can cause systemic effects like sedation and hypotension, it is not commonly associated with respiratory depression in infants.
**Option C:** Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue used to reduce intraocular pressure. It is not associated with systemic effects like beta-blockade and is not known to cause respiratory depression in infants.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to consider the systemic effects of ocular medications, especially in pediatric patients, to prevent adverse events like apnea.
**Correct Answer: D. Timolol. Timolol is an ocular hypotensive agent that can cause apnea in infants due to its systemic beta-blockade effects.**