Do selective topical β antagonists for glaucoma have respiratory side effects?. Issue 2 (21st January 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kirwan, J F; Nightingale, J A; Bunce, C; Wormald, R
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 88:Issue 2(2004)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2004-01-21
• Subjects: topical β antagonists -- adverse effects; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.017715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Background/aims: Topical β antagonists are prescribed for glaucoma in approximately 500 000 people in the United Kingdom. The authors have previously shown that topical β antagonists are associated with an excess incidence of airways obstruction. They examined whether selective topical β antagonists are associated with excess airways obstruction. Methods: A historical cohort study was performed to determine the incidence of airways obstruction in subjects with no previous history of airways obstruction, following treatment with topical β antagonists for glaucoma for the period 1993–7. Cases were defined as having received a first prescription of a drug specifically used in the management of airways obstruction. Results: For selective topical β antagonists 12 of 324 treated subjects developed airways obstruction, compared with 112 of 9094 controls (adjusted hazard rate 3.0 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.6 to 5.4)). For non-selective topical β antagonists, the corresponding figures were 69 of 2321 subjects compared with the same control group (adjusted hazard rate 2.2 (1.6 to 3.0)). There was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.47, χ 2 ), both being associated with a significantly increased risk of airways obstruction. Conclusion: Selective topical β antagonists do appear to have an excess risk of airways obstruction in this population setting and should be subject to the same prescribing caveats as unselective topical β antagonists.