J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1991 Mar;32(3):287-294.

Comparison of Efficacy between beta-Blockers in Normal Volunteers

• Jin GH
• Seong GJ
• Hong YJ

Abstract

We performed a double-masked, cross-over study of beta-blockers in 20 normal volunteers. The subjects were divided into 4 groups, and 4 different drugs(1% Bentos(R), 0.5% Betagan(R), 2% Mikelan(R) and Placebo) were administered to the 4 groups respectively for each session. The experiment consisted of 4 session, each session being a one week period of drug administration and a subsequent 3 week period of washout. The drugs were administered unilaterally eyery 12 hours for 1 week, and the IOP of the both eyes was measured at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 2, 3, and 4 weeks from the time of initial administration. We also investigated the side effects. The results were as follows: 1. There was no statistically significant difference in the effect of lowering the intraocular pressure(IOP) between the 3 different beta-blockers. 2. The beta-blockers lowered the mean IOP up to a maximum of 18.7-21% of its original value 3 hours after administration and 15-16.2%, after 1 week. 3. In the contralateral eyes, there was statistically a significant mean IOP decrease after 1, 3, 5, hours, 1 day and 1 week and a mean IOP decrease was 4.1%-4.9% after 1 week. 4. There was a statistically significant IOP decrease of 5.4%-6.7% at 1 week after the cessation of administration. 5. There was no statistically significant alteration of blood pressure, pulse rates, pupillary diameter, corneal sensitivity and Schirmer's test results due to drug administration. 6. The most common ocular side effect was a burning sensation following topical administration of beta-blockers. And the frequency of side effects was highest in 1% Bentos(R), foliowed by 0.5% Betaga(R) and 2% Mikelan(R).

Keyword

beta-blocker; intraocular pressure; side effect

MeSH Terms

Administration, Topical
Blood Pressure
Burns
Cross-Over Studies
Healthy Volunteers*
Heart Rate
Intraocular Pressure
Sensation