Levobunolol. A beta-adrenoceptor antagonist effective in the long-term treatment of glaucoma. The Levobunolol Study Group (Appended).

We compared the ocular-hypotensive efficacy and systemic and ocular safety of an ophthalmic solution of levobunolol (0.5% and 1%) twice daily, with timolol (0.5%) twice daily in a long-term double-masked study of 391 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Patients received the test medication in both eyes for up to two years. Over the two-year period, both concentrations of levobunolol reduced mean IOP by 27% (range, -6 to -8 mmHg). This ocular-hypotensive effect was sustained throughout the study and was similar to that produced by timolol. Slight decreases in mean heart rate and blood pressure were observed. No unexpected adverse ocular or systemic reactions were reported. The results of these studies indicate that levobunolol is an effective therapy for the long-term treatment of glaucoma.