[Bronchoconstrictive side effects of timolol eye drops in patients with obstructive lung disease]

A double-blind crossover study in seven patients with glaucoma and obstructive lung disease revealed a considerable and significant bronchoconstrictive side effect on topically administered timolol maleat. Comparative treatment of these patients with an ophthalmic solution containing 3% carbachol did not yield a statistically significant bronchial reaction. However, the observation of serious lung function impairment in three patients suggests that carbachol is not a safe alternative for the treatment of glaucoma in patients with obstructive lung disease. Whenever a deterioration of airway obstruction occurs in elderly patients, or bronchial asthma becomes manifest late in life, topically administered beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking and cholinergic agents must be considered causative factors: optimal communication between all physicians caring for glaucoma patients is an essential prerequisite.