Which medication is typically not used for treating glaucoma?

Cyclopentolate is typically not used for treating glaucoma because it acts primarily as a tropic agent, functioning by dilating the pupil (mydriasis) and temporarily paralyzing the ciliary muscle. This medication is mainly utilized in diagnostic procedures and to treat conditions like uveitis, where pupil dilation is beneficial.

In contrast, medications like brimonidine, timolol, and apraclonidine are specifically designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is crucial in managing glaucoma. Brimonidine is an alpha-agonist that reduces IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that also lowers IOP by reducing aqueous humor secretion. Apraclonidine, similar to brimonidine, decreases IOP but is often used to mitigate spikes in pressure post-surgery or during laser procedures.

Due to its mechanism of action, cyclopentolate does not contribute to IOP reduction, distinguishing it from the other listed medications that directly target glaucoma management.