Article

Study Investigates Timolol Eyedrops for Acute Migraine Treatment

Author(s):

Timolol eyedrops may have a potential role in managing acute migraine for some patients.

The FDA has previously approved multiple oral β-blockers for migraine prophylaxis; however, their use is limited to acute migraines. A recent study, published in

JAMA Neurology

, investigated the use of timolol eyedrops as an acute migraine treatment.

“Timolol eyedrops provide a rapid route of delivery with the maximum plasma concentration achieved within 15 minutes of administration,” the study explained. “This pharmacokinetic advantage supports a potential role for timolol eyedrops in managing acute migraine.”

The research—a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study—enrolled patients 18 years or older who met the International Headache Society criteria for migraine. The participants were randomized to receive timolol maleate (0.5%) or artificial tears, a single drop in both eyes, at onset and 30 minutes after. The patients were monitored over 4 months (5 visits total) and crossed over at the 2-month mark with a 3-day washout period.

Click to continue reading on The American Journal of Managed Care.

Even more resources pertaining to headaches and migraines can be found on Specialty Pharmacy Times' new sister site, NeurologyLive.

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