Celiprolol versus timolol and placebo: a two week double-blind comparison

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension are common conditions affecting intraocular pressure.
• Effective management of intraocular pressure is crucial to prevent optic nerve damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of celiprolol (5%) versus timolol (0.5%) and placebo in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• To evaluate the duration of intraocular pressure reduction and systemic effects.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized study involving 28 patients.
• Treatment with celiprolol (5%), timolol (0.5%), or placebo for two weeks.
• Measurement of intraocular pressure and pulse rate at specified intervals.

Main Results:

• Both celiprolol and timolol reduced intraocular pressure compared to placebo.
• Timolol demonstrated a greater mean decrease in intraocular pressure (7.1 mmHg) than celiprolol (4.4 mmHg) two hours post-instillation.
• The intraocular pressure-lowering effect of timolol was sustained for 12 hours, whereas celiprolol's effect was not.
• Timolol caused a statistically significant but small decrease in pulse rate, not observed with celiprolol.
• Side effects were mild and comparable across all three treatment groups.

Conclusions:

• Timolol (0.5%) appears more effective in reducing intraocular pressure and maintaining this reduction for a longer duration compared to celiprolol (5%) in this patient population.
• Celiprolol (5%) showed a lesser hypotensive effect and did not demonstrate sustained action over 12 hours.
• Both agents were generally well-tolerated, with mild and similar side effect profiles.