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Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:293-299 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.3.293
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Effects of topical nipradilol, a β blocking agent with α blocking and nitroglycerin-like activities, on intraocular pressure and aqueous dynamics in humans

  1. Mikiko Kannoa,
  2. Makoto Araiea,
  3. Hiroshi Koibuchib,
  4. Kanjiro Masudaa
  1. aDepartment Opthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Japan, bSection of Ophthalmology, JR Tokyo General Hospital, Japan
  1. Makoto Araie, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113, Japan
  • Accepted 1 October 1999

Abstract

AIMS To study the effects of topical nipradilol, a non-selective β blocker with α blocking and nitroglycerin-like activities, on intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humour dynamics in normal humans and in patients with ocular hypertension.

METHODS Nipradilol (0.06%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%) was applied to normal volunteers (n = 12) to test for IOP lowering effects. In a second group of normal volunteers (n = 11), nipradilol (0.125% and 0.25%) and timolol (0.5%) were compared for IOP lowering effects. After a single administration of 0.25% nipradilol, IOP, flare intensity in the anterior chamber, aqueous flow, uveoscleral outflow, tonographic outflow facility, and episcleral venous pressure were either directly measured or mathematically calculated. Topical nipradilol (0.25%) was administered to 24 patients with ocular hypertension twice daily for 8 weeks.

RESULTS Administration of 0.25% nipradilol decreased IOP with a maximum reduction of 4.2 mm Hg lasting 12 hours. A single instillation of both 0.25% nipradilol and 0.5% timolol reduced the IOP in normotensive human subjects to the same degree. A single instillation of 0.25% nipradilol decreased the aqueous flow rate in the treated eye by 20%. Nipradilol produced no significant effect in tonographic outflow facility or episcleral venous pressure, but uveoscleral outflow was increased. In patients with ocular hypertension, twice daily instillation of 0.25% nipradilol decreased IOP without tachyphylaxis for the 8 week test period.

CONCLUSION Topical nipradilol (0.25%) reduced IOP by decreasing the aqueous flow rate and probably also by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Nipradilol should be further investigated as a new antiglaucoma drug.

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