Objective: To compare the effects of topical 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol maleate on pulmonary and cardiovascular function.
Subjects and methods: A single-masked, randomized, parallel, 4-week-long study. One hundred elderly volunteers without respiratory or cardiovascular diseases underwent a pulmonary function test, blood pressure and pulse measurements, and 12-lead electrocardiography. The patients were divided into 2 groups, the Brimonidine group and the Timolol group.
Results: The one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV_1.0), generally used for respiratory function, showed a significantly greater reduction in the Timolol group. The decrease in systolic blood pressure in the Timolol group was significantly smaller than in the Brimonidine group. The decrease in pulse rate in the Brimonidine group was significantly smaller than in the Timolol group. There were no appreciable findings or abnormal changes in the 12-lead electrocardiograms in either group.
Conclusion: Brimonidine is an antiglaucoma agent with lower pulmonary risk than timolol.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi (J Jpn Ophthalmol Soc) 116: 623-634, 2012.