Betaxolol and timolol. A comparison of efficacy and side effects.

Betaxolol hydrochloride, 0.5%, and timolol maleate, 0.5%, were compared in a 26-week randomized, double-masked study involving 46 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. The two drugs were comparable with regard to both intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy and side effects. Since betaxolol is a selective beta 1-adrenergic antagonist, it may be advantageous for patients in whom beta 2-blockade could be harmful.