Timolol and guanethidine plus adrenaline in combination in the treatment of chronic open angle glaucoma

A four month study was conducted in patients with chronic open angle glaucoma to determine whether timolol and guanethidine plus adrenaline have an additive effect in lowering intraocular pressure. Thirty-five patients were assigned to four treatment sequences (timolol 0.25 per cent and 0.5 per cent supplemented with guanethidine 1 per cent plus adrenaline 0.2 per cent (Ganda 1.0/0.2) and vice-versa). There was a significant reduction in intraocular pressure after one month's combined therapy in three of the four treatment groups but this reduction was maintained in only one group (timolol 0.5 per cent with Ganda 1.0/0.2) after four months therapy. The results are discussed with particular reference to adrenergic influences on aqueous humour dynamics.