Changing therapy from timolol to betaxolol. Effect on intraocular pressure in selected patients with glaucoma....

Three hundred fifty-three patients whose intraocular pressure was controlled with a timolol maleate ophthalmic solution were studied. Following a baseline period, half were switched (masked and randomized) to treatment with a betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution and were followed up for 12 weeks. Intraocular pressure, signs, and symptoms were recorded at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. Those patients switched to the betaxolol ophthalmic solution had a significant increase in both ocular side effects (burning/stinging and tearing) and intraocular pressure at weeks 4, 8, and 12 when compared with those patients who continued to receive timolol.