Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Once and Twice Daily Timolol (0.5% Solution) Treatment in Controlling Intraocular Pressure.

Abstract

Background: Timolol eye drop is one of the oldest drugs used for glaucoma treatment. It is relatively cheap, effective, and readily available, and hence, it is suitable for developing countries. This study has aimed to assess the efficacy of Timolol once or twice daily in controlling intraocular pressure and to compare the side effects.

Methods: A systematic randomized clinical trial was conducted at Menelik ΙΙ tertiary Hospital from November 2022 to September 2023.The trial has involved 84 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Participants were randomly divided into two treatment groups: once or twice daily, and both received 0.5% Timolol solution. Before the treatment began, baseline measurements of intraocular pressure at 8 am, 12 pm, and 4 pm, pulse rate, and blood pressure were recorded. After one month of treatment, the exact measurements were repeated. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 26 and p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The baseline mean intraocular pressures in the once-daily group were significantly decreased with a p-value of less than 0.004.Similarly, in the twice-daily group, baseline mean intraocular pressures were significantly reduced with a p-value of less than 0.001.These two groups had no statistically significant difference in lowering intraocular pressure. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding systemic and ocular adverse effects.

 Conclusion: This study has shown no significant difference in reducing intraocular pressure and safety by using 0.5%Timolol solution once or twice daily on glaucoma patients at Menelik Hospital.

Trial registration: PACTR202412559535575 “Retrospectively registered” pan African clinical trial registry on 09 Dec 2024. Keywords: Efficacy; Glaucoma treatment; intraocular pressure; Timolol; Side effect