BETAXOLOL EYE DROPS AS A SAFE MEDICATION TO LOWER INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE

Betaxolol, a cardioselective beta,-adrenergic antagonist, was used in a clinical trial in nine patients with glaucoma and chronic obstructive airways disease to assess its patient acceptance, and its effect on intraocular pressure, respiratory function, corneal and tear function. Betaxolol was well tolerated by all patients with no adverse symptoms. It significantly lowered intraocular pressure (p = 0.03) with no significant change in respiratory function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), mean mid expiratory flow rate (MMEFR) and vital capacity). Although there was a tendency to decreased wetting with Schirmer 1, decreased breakup time and increased corneal staining with Rose Bengal, this was not statistically significant in this small series. We confirmed the previously reported efficacy and safety of betaxolol in patients with glaucoma and airways disease with satisfactory patient acceptance.