Since 1976 beta-adrenergic antagonists have established their role in the effective lowering of the intraocular pressure. The potential side effects of this locally administered drug are measurable even in otherwise completely healthy individuals (1) and in some predisposed patients these unwarranted effects can be severe. The fact that cells with β-adrenergic receptors are widely distributed within the human body explains the pharmacodynamic effects of timolol maleate (2). Even one drop of timolol can lead to decompensation in an asthma patient.
If a patient has cardiovascular or pulmonary health issues,the general practicioner should be informed before prescribing beta-adrenergic antagonists, or alternative pressure lowering drugs should be considered (3).
Contributor: Dr. med. Karin Øyo-Szerenyi, Rapperswil, Switzerland
References
Tip Reviewer: Roger Hitchings
Tip Editors: Frances Meier-Gibbons, Humma Shahid, Karl Mercieca, Francisco Goni