Effects of topical betaxolol in ocular hypertensive patients

Betaxolol, a new beta 1-adrenergic blocker, was applied to 20 eyes of ten patients with ocular hypertension. Topical 0.25% betaxolol was found to significantly lower intraocular pressure compared with placebo. There were no subjective or objective ocular or systemic side effects detected. There were no changes in pulse rate, BP, or corneal sensitivity. Betaxolol may be useful in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and certain cardiovascular diseases where timolol maleate therapy may be contraindicated.