Original Paper

Effects of Latanoprost and Betaxolol on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Status of Newly Diagnosed Glaucoma Patients
Esin F. Erkin^a, Pnar Çelik^b, Özcan Kaykçolu^a, Hülya Mutlu Deveci^a, Ayn akar<sup>b

a</sup>Department of Ophthalmology, and
^bDepartment of Chest Diseases, Celal Bayar University School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2006;220:332-337 (DOI: 10.1159/000094625)

  Key Words

• Glaucoma
• Betaxolol
• Latanoprost
• Cardiovascular effects
• Respiratory effects

  Abstract

Aims: To investigate the cardiovascular and respiratory effects of topical latanoprost 0.005% and topical betaxolol 0.25% monotherapy in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. Methods: Fortynewly diagnosed glaucoma patients were enrolled in this prospective, observer-masked, randomized, parallel study. Patients received either latanoprost 0.005% or betaxolol 0.25% for a duration of 3 months. Baseline evaluation included intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and cardiorespiratory examinations including pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements and spirometry. These measurements were repeated after 3 months. Results: Both latanoprost and betaxolol reduced IOP significantly (p = 0.001). After 3 months of therapy, the mean pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values of the betaxolol group were reduced (p = 0.027, p = 0.07 and p = 0.016, respectively). No significant changes occurred in the cardiovascular measurements of the latanoprost group (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes in any of the spirometric measurements tested for both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both latanoprost and betaxolol are safe concerning respiratory functions. Betaxolol may cause small changes in the cardiovascular system, suggesting that blood pressure and pulse rates should be checked before and in regular intervals after prescribing it for the elderly. Latanoprost seems to be a safe medication in view of absence of systemic cardiovascular and respiratory side effects.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Esin F. Erkin
Mithatpaa Cad. No. 144/9
TR-35260 Karata, zmir (Turkey)
Tel. +90 232 441 3964, Fax +90 236 237 0213
E-Mail esinerkin@hotmail.com or esinbaser@yahoo.com

  Article Information

This study was presented in part at the 4th International Glaucoma Symposium, Barcelona, 2003.

Received: March 24, 2004
Accepted after revision: December 23, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 24