title: [The local anesthetic effect and subjective tolerance of 0.5% befunolol and 1% pindolol in healthy eyes].
abstract: In a placebo-controlled, randomized, prospective, parallel, double-blind trial the corneal sensitivity of normal eyes was measured before and 1, 3, 6, 10, 15 and 30 minutes after application of befunolol 0.5% (20 eyes) and pindolol 1% (20 eyes). NaCl 0.9% (20 eyes) was used as a placebo. The participants in the trial rated subjective tolerance of the test drugs on a four-point scale. NaCl 0.9% eye drops did not lower corneal sensitivity; on the contrary, a gradual increase in sensitivity was found (exercise effect) which, as of the tenth minute after application of the drug, differed significantly from the initial value. Befunolol 0.5% lowered corneal sensitivity less than timolol 0.5%. There was no statistically significant difference as compared to the initial value. The difference as compared to NaCl. 0.9% was statistically significant from the 3rd to the 10th minute following application. Pindolol 1% led to a lowering of corneal sensitivity of up to 14 mg (mean), lasting for up to 15 min. The lowering of sensitivity caused by pindolol 1% was more pronounced than that caused by timolol 0.5% and about one-half of that caused by Betaxolol 0.5%. The difference was statistically significant as compared to the initial value in the first minute, and from the first to the 10th minute as compared to the NaCl 0.9% group. These results show that it is necessary to check corneal sensitivity during topical beta-blocker therapy. "Responders", "sensitives", contact lens wearers and patients with reduced corneal sensitivity (e.g., patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma with cupping of the optic disk) need frequent supervision. In high-risk patients use of an efficacious beta-blocker which reduces corneal sensitivity least is recommended. The subjective compatibility of befunolol 0.5% is similar to that of timolol 0.5%. Pindolol 1% seems to be slightly better tolerated. The differences are not statistically significant.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik mit Poliklinik der Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Höh
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010869:Pindolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011412:Propanolamines; C006034:befunolol; D010869:Pindolol
vernacular_title: Lokalanästhetische Wirkung und subjektive Verträglichkeit von Befunolol 0.5% und Pindolol 1% bei Augengesunden.