[Systemic complications of beta-blocking eyedrops. Apropos of 6 cases].

Abstract

Six cases of systemic reactions to topical treatment with beta-blocking eyedrops are reported, bradycardia and faintness due to an overdosage of ophthalmic timolol; decompensated heart failure one month after the prescription of carteolol eyedrops: bronchospasm after two weeks of treatment with metipranolol eyedrops; crippling Raynaud's phenomenon of otherwise unknown origin, which had begun with timolol eyedrops, continued with carteolol eyedrops and regressed after discontinuation of ophthalmic beta-blockers; aggravation of an anaphylactoid shock in a patient treated with ophthalmic timolol, and myocardial infarction possibly due to the abrupt withdrawal of timolol eyedrops. It cannot be overstressed that the rules governing the prescription of oral beta-blockers also apply to ophthalmic preparations of these drugs: respect of contra-indications, strict adherence to the dosage recommended, gradual drug withdrawal and regular supervision. Only controlled studies and long-term follow-up will be able to demonstrate differences in safety between the five beta-blockers commercialized as eyedrops in this country.

• Authors: H Vinti, R M Chichmanian, J P Fournier, A Pesce, B Taillan, J G Fuzibet, J P Cassuto, P Dujardin
• Journal: La Revue de medecine interne (Rev Med Interne) 1989 Jan-Feb Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 41-4 ISSN: 0248-8663 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Accidents systémiques des bêta-bloquants en collyres. A propos de six observations.
• PMID: 2566193 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
• Ophthalmic Solutions

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (adverse effects)
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bronchial Spasm (chemically induced)
• Drug Interactions
• Female
• Heart Rate (drug effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ophthalmic Solutions