Betaxolol vs timolol. A six-month double-blind comparison.

Betaxolol hydrochloride (0.5%) and timolol maleate (0.5%) were compared in a six-month randomized, double-blind study involving 29 patients with glaucoma. The two drugs were comparable with regard to efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure. Betaxolol effected an average reduction of 7.6 mm Hg (26%); timolol, 8.4 mm Hg (29%). No patient required adjunctive medications during this study. Ocular side effects were mild and similar for both treatments. Neither drug affected corneal sensitivity, visual acuity, basal tear production, or pupil size. Since betaxolol has been shown to have little effect on the cardiopulmonary system, it should be strongly considered for the treatment of glaucoma.