Concurrent use of topical and oral beta- blockers

[morgan54]

Hi

Would it be safe to use beta-blocker eye drop for ocular hypertension when the patient already takes oral beta-blocker for high blood pressure?

[Bacchanalia]

Last week I spent 2 nights in the cardiology ward with low pulse rate. I had recently started taking drops with a beta blocker. The consultant took me off those, although he said they weren't the cause of the low pulse and arrhythmia and I have returned to Latanaprost. Not sure if that applies in your situation, but thought it worth mentioning

[morgan54 in reply to Bacchanalia]

Hi Thanks for your reply. I take Bisoprolol for my high blood pressure. Recently I had high eye pressure reading and advised to try timolol eye drop (beta blocker), I haven't started yet. Is Latanapost beta blocker?

[Bacchanalia in reply to morgan54]

No, Timolol, an ingredient in Fixapost, is a beta blocker. Fixapost is both Timolol and Latanaprost combined

[morgan54 in reply to Bacchanalia]

Hi How are you getting on with Fixapost?

[Bacchanalia in reply to morgan54]

Because I had a heart problem, arrhythmia and bradycardia, my cardiologist too me off them - it includes a beta blocker. It was replaced with Trusopt, which I have to yake twice a day - so less convenient

[morgan54 in reply to Bacchanalia]

Thanks for your reply! So you take systemic beta blocker for your heart but not topical beta blocker eye drop?

[Bacchanalia in reply to morgan54]

NOOOO! I'm taking nothing for my heart except exercise - but beta blockers can make bradycardia and arrhythmia worse

[morgan54 in reply to Bacchanalia]

I'm really sorry I misunderstood.

[Bacchanalia in reply to morgan54]

No problem 😊

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi. It should be fine but I would advise to let your eye specialist know about any other medication that you are taking and ask them if it is safe to use as you also use beta-blocker tablets. It is only really a problem if you are already experiencing side effects from the beta blocker tablet, as the eye drop could make those side effects worse.