Beta adrenergic blocking agent used to treat glaucoma; prepared as an ophthalmic preparation.

Beta adrenergic blocking agent used to treat glaucoma; prepared as an ophthalmic preparation.

• A. Propranolol
• B. Timolol
• C. Nadolol
• D. Atenolol

Answer: (B)

Blocking beta receptors in the eye decreases the production of aqueous humor by the ciliary body, which lowers intraocular pressure and helps treat glaucoma. Timolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonist formulated as an ophthalmic solution, so it acts directly on the eye to reduce aqueous humor formation with the convenience and safety of topical administration. This makes it the standard ophthalmic beta-blocker for glaucoma. The other drugs listed are primarily used systemically for cardiovascular conditions and are not prepared as effective eye drops for glaucoma. Propranolol and nadolol are nonselective beta blockers used for heart-related conditions, and atenolol is beta-1 selective; none are routinely used as topical glaucoma medications.

Blocking beta receptors in the eye decreases the production of aqueous humor by the ciliary body, which lowers intraocular pressure and helps treat glaucoma. Timolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonist formulated as an ophthalmic solution, so it acts directly on the eye to reduce aqueous humor formation with the convenience and safety of topical administration. This makes it the standard ophthalmic beta-blocker for glaucoma.

The other drugs listed are primarily used systemically for cardiovascular conditions and are not prepared as effective eye drops for glaucoma. Propranolol and nadolol are nonselective beta blockers used for heart-related conditions, and atenolol is beta-1 selective; none are routinely used as topical glaucoma medications.