Betaxolol. A new beta-adrenergic blocking agent for treatment of glaucoma
A. R. Berrospi and H. M. Leibowitz
The intraocular pressure response to topically instilled 0.25% betaxolol
hydrochloride was evaluated in 12 patients with chronic open angle glaucoma
or ocular hypertension. The drug produced a significant lowering of IOP in
all 12 of the patients under study. A 30% to 35% decrease below baseline
IOP was observed and was maintained during the one-year observation period.
Visual acuity was stable in all subjects throughout the study and corneal
anesthesia was not encountered. Tear secretion was not adversely effected
by betaxolol, nor did topical administration of the drug produce any
systemic cardiovascular response of consequence. Blood pressure and pulse
rate remained stable throughout the year. These data suggest that an
ophthalmic formulation of betaxolol may have substantial clinical potential
for the treatment of glaucoma.
