PMID: 7015492May 9, 1981Paper

Bronchoconstrictive side effects of timolol eye drops in patients with obstructive lung disease

Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift
A VonwilH Bachofen

Abstract

A double-blind crossover study in seven patients with glaucoma and obstructive lung disease revealed a considerable and significant bronchoconstrictive side effect on topically administered timolol maleat. Comparative treatment of these patients with an ophthalmic solution containing 3% carbachol did not yield a statistically significant bronchial reaction. However, the observation of serious lung function impairment in three patients suggests that carbachol is not a safe alternative for the treatment of glaucoma in patients with obstructive lung disease. Whenever a deterioration of airway obstruction occurs in elderly patients, or bronchial asthma becomes manifest late in life, topically administered beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking and cholinergic agents must be considered causative factors: optimal communication between all physicians caring for glaucoma patients is an essential prerequisite.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Asthma

This feed focuses in Asthma in which your airways narrow and swell. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Allergy and Asthma

Allergy and asthma are inflammatory disorders that are triggered by the activation of an allergen-specific regulatory t cell. These t cells become activated when allergens are recognized by allergen-presenting cells. Here is the latest research on allergy and asthma.