Effects of Systemic and Topical Administration of Metoprolol on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Subjects

The effect of a single dose metoprolol tablets or eye drops on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure and heart rate was determined in healthy volunteers. The ocular tolerance of 6 weeks treatment with 1% eye drops was also studied. A 100 mg tablet reduced IOP for least 10 h with a maximum effect after 4 h corresponding to 32% of the pre-treatment pressure. The effects of 25 and 50 mg tablets were less pronounced and of a shorter duration. No consistent effect on blood-pressure was obtained, but doses that reduced IOP also reduced heart rate. A short-lasting reduction in IOP was obtained with 0.5% eye drops, while 1, 3 and 5% all caused significant reductions lasting at least 10-12 h. IOP was reduced by 13, 20 and 27% 4 h after administration of 1, 3 and 5% eye drops, respectively. No effect was observed in the contralateral, untreated eye, and no cardiovascular effects were obtained after administration of the eye drops. 1% eye drops administered twice daily for 6 weeks caused no clinically significant side effect.