Topical β-blocker therapy and central nervous system side effects. A preliminary study comparing betaxolol and timolol

M. G. Lynch, J. T. Whitson, R. H. Brown, H. Nguyen, M. M. Drake

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Topical β-blocking agents have been associated with adverse central nervous system (CNS) effects, including depression, emotional lability, and sexual dysfunction. Two studies were done to determine if patients who developed CNS effects while using timolol maleate would improve with betaxolol hydrochloride. In one study, 18 patients with CNS symptoms during timolol therapy were switched to betaxolol. Sixteen of the 18 patients noted symptomatic improvement with betaxolol. The second study involved seven patients with CNS symptoms during timolol therapy who were entered into a double-masked cross-over study. In two patients CNS symptoms resolved with betaxolol; in three patients symptoms improved; and in one patient symptoms worsened with betaxolol. Although factors influencing β-blocker activity in the CNS are not well understood, there may be some advantage to a selective agent.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)908-911
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of Ophthalmology
Volume106
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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