Topical timolol maleate might adversely affect serum lipoproteins

Abstract

Conflicting observations have been reported about the effects of topically administered timolol maleate on serum lipoproteins. We therefore considered this issue in a series of eight glaucoma patients receiving timolol maleate. Cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in plasma and in low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), both before and following three months of treatment. Following the treatment, the mean atherogenic index was increased from 2.72 to 3.38 (p=0.012). This suggests that the atherogenic index should be determined before and during timolol maleate treatment in high-risk cardiovascular patients.