METIPRANOLOL (OPHTHALMIC)

Indications / Pharmacology

Metipranolol HCl can be used as a substitute for timolol maleate (see above). Metipranolol is a nonselective beta blocking agent and reduces intraocular pressure minimally inanimals by decreasing cyclic-AMP synthesis in the ciliary body. Pilot studies have suggested thatmetipranolol is as effective as timolol maleate, but is significantly less expensive. Metipranolol has beenuseful in the author's (DKO) clinic for the management of primary open angle glaucoma in cats.Suggested Dosage/Precautions/Adverse Effects - One drop twice daily of the 0.3% solution. Whileproblems have rarely been noted in veterinary medicine, ophthalmic beta blockers should be used withcaution in patients with bronchoconstrictive disease or congestive heart failure.Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status -
Veterinary Labeled Products: None
Human-Approved Products: 0.3% Metipranolol Solution in 2, 5, & 10 ml OptiPranolol® (Bausch & Lomb); (Rx)