[The influence of 0.85% RS-timolol and 0.5% S-timolol on intraocular pressure and systemic arterial blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, expiratory capacity in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma].

PURPOSE: Analysis of local and systemic effects of RS-timolol enantiomer and S-timolol in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma: evaluation of Risk/Benefit Ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 19 patients (38 eyes) receiving 0.85% RS-timolol and 10 patients (20 eyes) receiving 0.5% S-timolol were evaluated using a double-blank test. Intraocular pressure, heart rate, systemic arterial blood pressure, ECG and spirometry were recorded before and 2 hours after drugs administration and after 7 days of treatment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between intraocular pressure-lowering effects of RS-timolol and S-timolol. In patients receiving both medicines bradycardia was detected 2 hours after drugs administration. Patients receiving RS-timolol showed increased expiratory capacity in comparison to those receiving S-timolol. There was no detectable influence of both medicines on ECG and systemic arterial blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: 0.85% RS-timolol and 0.5% S-timolol produced comparable intraocular pressure-lowering effects. 0.85% RS-timolol exerted less severe influence on respiratory system.