ATC Group: S01ED Beta blocking agents

Betaxolol is a cardioselective Beta₁ receptor blocker which, when applied topically to the eye, lowers intraocular pressure. It is thought to produce this effect by reducing the rate of production of aqueous humour.

Carteolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent with associated intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) and without significant membrane stabilizing activity. Carteolol reduces normal and elevated intraocular pressure whether or not accompanied by glaucoma.

Levobunolol is a non-cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent, equipotent at both beta₁ and beta₂ receptors. The primary mechanism of action of levobunolol in reducing intraocular pressure is most likely a decrease in aqueous humor production. Levobunolol reduces intraocular pressure with little or no effect on pupil size in contrast to the miosis which cholinergic agents are known to produce.

Timolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent that does not have significant intrinsic sympathomimetic, direct myocardial depressant, or local anaesthetic activity. Timolol reduces intra-ocular pressure, whether or not this is associated with glaucoma.