Changing therapy from timolol to betaxolol. Effect on intraocular pressure in selected patients with glaucoma. Timolol-Betaxolol Study Group
R. Vogel, R. Tipping, S. F. Kulaga and C. M. Clineschmidt
Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, West Point, PA 19486.
Three hundred fifty-three patients whose intraocular pressure was
controlled with a timolol maleate ophthalmic solution were studied.
Following a baseline period, half were switched (masked and randomized) to
treatment with a betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution and were
followed up for 12 weeks. Intraocular pressure, signs, and symptoms were
recorded at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. Those patients switched to the betaxolol
ophthalmic solution had a significant increase in both ocular side effects
(burning/stinging and tearing) and intraocular pressure at weeks 4, 8, and
12 when compared with those patients who continued to receive timolol.
