Betaxolol vs timolol. A six-month double-blind comparison
R. H. Stewart, R. L. Kimbrough and R. L. Ward
Betaxolol hydrochloride (0.5%) and timolol maleate (0.5%) were compared in
a six-month randomized, double-blind study involving 29 patients with
glaucoma. The two drugs were comparable with regard to efficacy in lowering
intraocular pressure. Betaxolol effected an average reduction of 7.6 mm Hg
(26%); timolol, 8.4 mm Hg (29%). No patient required adjunctive medications
during this study. Ocular side effects were mild and similar for both
treatments. Neither drug affected corneal sensitivity, visual acuity, basal
tear production, or pupil size. Since betaxolol has been shown to have
little effect on the cardiopulmonary system, it should be strongly
considered for the treatment of glaucoma.
