Pulmonary and Heart Rate Changes Associated with Nonselective Beta-Blocker Glaucoma Therapy

Abstract

Six ophthalmic beta-blockers-betaxolol, timolol, levobunolol, pindolol, befunolol, and metipranolol-and placebo eyedrops were tested in six normal volunteers for their effect on exercise heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram tracings. None of the solutions affected blood pressure or electrocardiogram results. Betaxolol and placebo did not affect heart rate. However, all the other agents significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the heart's ability to respond to exercise.

These same formulations were tested by spirometry in six asdimatic patients. Betaxolol and placebo had no effect on forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV,), whereas all the other agents significantly (p < 0.05) depressed vital lung function.