Beta-Blockers

Topical beta-blocker eye medications decrease the rate that the aqueous humor flows into the eye.
Beta-blocker topical eye medications are often used as initial therapy for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma due to their effectiveness, side effect profile, and cost.

Caution should be used in patients with lung diseases, such as asthma or emphysema because beta-blockers may worsen these types of diseases.

Generic/trade names
Timolol (Timoptic), levobunolol (Betagan, AKBeta), betaxolol (Betoptic), carteolol (Ocupress)

Who should not use these medications:

Use
These drugs are administered as eyedrops.


Drug or food interactions
Ocular beta-blockers may have additive effects when used with oral beta-blockers. Additive effects occur when used with other drugs that lower intraocular pressure.


Side effects
Beta-blockers may contain sulfites, which may cause allergic-type reactions. Rarely, use may worsen or cause symptoms observed with orally administered beta-blockers, such as heart disturbances (abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, or heart failure), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or mental changes (especially in elderly persons).