Interaction of topical and oral timolol in glaucoma

The interaction of oral and topical timolol maleate was studied in patients with open-angle glaucoma. The oral and topical preparations given separately produced a significant and comparable reduction of the intraocular pressure, but no additive effect was observed when both preparations were given together. Pulse- and blood pressure-lowering effects of oral timolol were not enhanced by the application of topical timolol. These systemic effects were not found in those patients using topical timolol alone.