Pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, indications, and adverse effects of timolol maleate, a nonselective beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent.

Abstract

Timolol, a nonselective beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent without intrinsic sympathomimetic or membrane stabilizing activity, has been shown effective in the treatment of angina and hypertension. It is particularly useful in patients with stable angina pectoris and patients with mild to moderate hypertension. In both of these conditions, timolol appears to be comparable to propranolol. A recent study has suggested that timolol reduces mortality and reinfarction rate in patients who have recently had a myocardial infarction. When given topically timolol reduces intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma; the drug may be used as the primary agent or as an adjunct to standard therapy. Careful selection of patients will reduce the frequency of adverse effects due to beta-receptor inhibition. Thus, timolol should not be used in patients who are predisposed to asthmatic bronchitis or cardiac failure, and it should be used with caution in patients with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes mellitus.

• Authors: F G Dunn, E D Frohlich
• Journal: Pharmacotherapy (Pharmacotherapy) 1981 Nov-Dec Vol. 1 Issue 3 Pg. 188-200 ISSN: 0277-0008 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6765488 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Timolol
• Potassium

Topics

• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (drug therapy)
• Chemical Phenomena
• Chemistry
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Coronary Disease (drug therapy)
• Glaucoma (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Hypertension (drug therapy)
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Potassium (metabolism)
• Timolol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, metabolism, pharmacology, therapeutic use)