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Abstract #6478 Published in IGR 3-2
Effect of timolol 0.5% gel and solution on pulmonary function in older glaucoma patients
Stewart WC; Day DG; Holmes KT; Stewart JAJournal of Glaucoma 2001; 10: 227-232
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of timolol maleate solution or gel forming solution versus placebo on pulmonary function in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension without reactive airway disease. METHODS: After a screening visit, each patient was randomized by a Latin square technique to receive placebo twice daily, 0.5% timolol solution twice daily, or 0.5% timolol gel once a day (placebo given as the second dose) to each eye for two weeks. Subjects were then crossed over to the two other treatments for two-week treatment intervals. At each visit, patients received a dose 15 minutes before pulmonary function testing. RESULTS: This study began with 25 patients, and 20 finished the trial. There was no difference between treatment groups for the forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio (p > 0.1). The mean FEV1 for timolol solution, timolol gel, and placebo was 2.42 L, 2.45 L, and 2.50 L, respectively. The mean FVC for timolol solution, timolol gel, and placebo was 3.33 L, 3.38 L, and 3.44 L, respectively. No difference in intraocular pressure was observed between the timolol solution (17.1 ± 3.3 mmHg) and timolol gel (17.1 ± 3.6 mmHg) between the treatment periods (p > 0.1). No difference in side-effects was observed between treatment groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In older patients with POAG or ocular hypertension without reactive airway disease, nonselective β-blockers should not worsen pulmonary function.
Dr W.C. Stewart, Pharmaceutical Research Corporation, 1639 Tatum Street, Charleston, SC 29412-2426, USA
Classification:
11.3.4 Betablocker (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
