Study Investigates Timolol Eyedrops for Acute Migraine Treatment

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.

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