[comparison of ocular hypotensive response to betaxolol and timolol and their topical and systemic side effects]

This is a study to compare the efficacy and side effects of betaxolol and timolol in lowering the IOP of primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This Double-blind randomized cross-over clinical trial was conducted on 29 eyes of 20 patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Each patient received timolol 0.5% and betaxolol 0.5% [SINA DAROU] twice daily for four weeks in two phases. Before and between the two courses of treatment there was a wash-out period. At the end of the study the effect of these two drugs on intraocular pressure [lOP], mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, and basic tear secretion in addition to ocular symptoms were evaluated and statistically analyzed. The study was performed on 29 eyes of 20 patients with baseline IOP of 28,45 +/- 1.64 mmHg. After 4 weeks of treatment, timolol and betaxolol reduced IOP by 7.24 +/- 1.97 mmHg 25.36 +/- 1.22% and 3.55 +/- 1.18 mmHg 12.52 +/- 0.82%, respectively [P<0.001] and the difference between the two groups was also significant [P<0.001]. Mean arterial blood pressure was reduced with betaxolol and timolol by 6.37 +/- 3.96 mmHg [P<0.001], and 6.30 +/- 3.84 mmHg [P<0.001], respectively, but the difference between two groups was not statistically significant. Pulse rate was reduced with timolol and betaxolol by 7.37 +/- 3.22 beats /min, and 7.41 +/- 3.77 beats /min, respectively P>0.05. No significant difference was considered between two groups. Mean reduction in basic tear secretion with timolol and betaxolol was 1.31 +/- 0.66 mm/5min and 1.48 +/- 0.82 mm/5min, respectively; intergroup comparison was also not significant. Patients in 62.1% of the betaxolol group and 27.2% of the timolol group complained about eye burning. The differece between two groups was significant [P<0.01]. lacrimation-eye pruritis and bitter tastes was more in betaxolol group. Other symptoms were similar between two groups. Timolol is superior to betaxolol in treatment of early glaucoma or ocular hypertension, but both drugs should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular compromise

Adverse drugs reactions associated with glaucoma medications

We undertook a non-concurrent prospective study of 191 Puerto Rican patients from August 1993 to April 1994. All patients had open angle glaucoma (OAG) (age ranged from 50 to 80 yrs; mean = 65 yrs). Patient's symptomatology associated to side effects of their glaucoma medicadons was reviewed. Incidence percent of ocular and/or systemic side effects per medication were: levobunolol 45.0; betaxolol 42.0; timolol 27.3; pilocarpine 100; dipivefrin 14.0; and acetazolamide 250 mg 64.1. Incidence percent of ocular and/or systemic side effects of topical beta-blockers used with concomittant medications were determined. Ocular side effects were more frequent in patients using levobunolol 44.2 than in those patients using betaxolol 42.0, 8.5 of patients using levobunolol did report systemic side effects. No systemic side effects were reported by patients using betaxolol. Ocular side effects in patients using pilocarpine were frequent (100); whereas the frequency of systemic side effects was low (6.1). Systemic side effects were common in patients using carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These results suggest that non-selective and cardio-selective topical Beta-blockers, differ in their ocular or systemic side effects

Efeito colateral tardio de colírios de timolol e betaxolol em pai e filho / Systemy toxicity of Beta blokers

Relato breve de dois casos acerca dos beta-bloqueadores de açäo tópica ocular