Respiratory arrest following first dose of timolol ophthalmic solution

Within 30 minutes of the administration of his first dose of timolol ophthalmic solution, a 67-year-old man with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experienced severe dyspnea leading to respiratory arrest. He recovered after endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Patients with bronchospastic pulmonary disease who are candidates for therapy with timolol ophthalmic solution should receive their first dose under medical supervision and should have continued close medical follow-up for as long as they receive timolol.