Carteolol is a beta adrenergic antagonist used to treat arrhythmia, angina, hypertension, and glaucoma. For the treatment of intraocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma. Carteolol is a beta1 and beta2 (non-selective) adrenergic receptor-blocking agent that does not have significant intrinsic sympathomimetic, direct myocardial depressant, or local anesthetic (membrane-stabilizing) activity. Carteolol, when applied topically to the eye, has the action of reducing elevated, as well as normal, intraocular pressure, whether or not accompanied by glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of glaucomatous visual field loss and optic nerve damage. Carteolol reduces intraocular pressure with little or no effect on pupil size or accommodation in contrast to the miosis which cholinergic agents are known to produce. The primary mechanism of the ocular hypotensive action of carteolol in reducing intraocular pressure is most likely a decrease in aqueous humor production. This process is initiated by the non-selective beta1 and beta2 adrenergic receptor blockade. It can be found under the brand name Ocupress and by blocking the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, it is able to decrease the rate at which the aqueous humour flows into the eye, therefore reducing the intraocular pressure. By antagonizing the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, smooth muscle constriction of the ciliary muscles of the eye make it more difficult for the aqueous humour to reach the eye. Some side effects of using carteolol may include chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Carteolol B2-Adrenergic Ciliary Muscle Contraction Pathway References