Bronchial and cardiovascular effects of ocular topical B-antagonists in asthmatic subjects: comparison of timolol, carteolol, and metipranolol

B antagonists eye drops are most effective for the treatment of chronic open angle glaucoma. By this way of administration they have a very good systemic bioavailability. Bronchial, and cardiovascular effects of three of these topicals: timolol, carteolol and metipranolol have been evaluated in three parallel groups of asthmatic patients. The three topics induce bronchoconstriction without significant difference between them, and lower heart rate (sometimes very intensely) whatever the B antagonist studied. From these data, it is recommended to practitioners to follow carefully the rules of administration of B blockers, even in eye drops.