The ocular responses of oral administration of penbutolol in the glaucomatous patient.

Abstract

A single oral dose of 20 mg or 40 mg Penbutolol was given to two groups of ten untreated glaucoma patients. The drug significantly decreased intraocular pressure and was dose-related. The IOP response was paralleled with a decrease in pulse rate without significant effect on blood pressure. In another group 27 glaucoma patients, which were under sufficient IOP control following topical treatment with different antiglaucomatous agents, the daily peroral treatment with 40 mg Penbutolol did not result in a further decrease of IOP. However, a significant drop in pulse rate could be noted over the four weeks period of treatment in this series of patients. Blood pressure was, similar to the single does study, not significantly affected. Penbutolol treatment did not significantly change pupillary diameter, quantitative tear flow or corneal sensitivity. The potential usefulness of the drug in glaucomas with systemic hypertension or as additive treatment when topical treatment is insufficient is outlined.