Life-threatening Vasospastic Angina Induced by Carteolol Eye Drops

Abstract

Vasospastic angina (VSA) can be worsened by oral nonselective beta-blockers. Ophthalmic carteolol eye drops are non-selective beta blockers and effective against glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Systemic effects of ophthalmic beta blockers on VSA have not yet been reported. We herein report a case of VSA that developed after a patient started carteolol eye drops for ocular hypertension. Even though benidipine, a calcium channel blocker. was started, a VSA attack with incessant non-sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred. Once the carteolol eyedrops were discontinued, the VSA resolved. This case demonstrates that carteolol eye drops can induce life-threatening VSA.