Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events from Topical Ophthalmic Timolol

Abstract

Timolol is a commonly-used topical antiglaucoma medication and has proven to be highly efficacious for most recipients. Among the reported adverse events, the neuropsychiatric spectrum has been cited, albeit for a small proportion of those treated. This review summarizes the cumulative published experience of such side effects and assesses the quality of evidence. As for other beta-blockers, whether orally or topically administered, various central nervous systems dysfunctions have been detailed in either case reports or larger patient series. The adverse event commonly resolves following drug termination. Rigorous and more definitive studies of causation are lacking, and to some, such paucity has reduced the belief of a cause and effect relationship. Until otherwise proven, deference should be afforded to the potential for topical timolol to cause neuropsychiatric side effects, and at-risk patients should be closely monitored when they are prescribed this pharmacological agent.

Keywords: Adverse event; Glaucoma; Safety; Timolol; Topical agent.