Bradyarrhythmias secondary to topical levobunolol hydrochloride solution

Abstract

Lianjun Lin,* Yuchuan Wang,* Yan Chen, Meilin Liu Geriatric Department, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: An 88-year-old man was admitted with fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Both the electrocardiogram and Holter confirmed the existence of sinus bradycardia and sinus arrest. One hour prior to the onset of symptoms, he received levobunolol hydrochloride solution topically. The levobunolol hydrochloride solution was discontinued and the bradycardia resolved. He was diagnosed as having intermittent sinus bradycardia and sinus arrest, induced by topical ß-blocker therapy. Levobunolol hydrochloride solution is an effective therapy for ocular hypertension, probably by reducing aqueous fluid production. However, it can induce cardiac side effects such as bradyarrhythmia and should be used with caution in elderly patients or patients with cardiac disease. Keywords: bradycardia, topical ß-blocker, the elderly, glaucoma

Keywords

• bradycardia
• levobunolol hydrochloride
• topical beta-blocker