Background: To establish if an allergy towards all -blockers, as a group, should be assumed, if an allergic reaction is observed while using one specific -blocking agent. Case presentation: The non-selective -blocker timolol caused a severe allergic ocular reaction in a non-atopic patient with advanced primary open-angle glaucoma. Results: A patch test confirmed timolol allergy. No allergic reaction to other anti-glaucomatous topical drugs was observed, and treatment with the selective -blocker betaxolol was successfully initiated. Conclusion: Allergy to the non-selective -blocker timolol does not necessarily predict allergy to the selective -blocker betaxolol, and betaxolol should therefore not be excluded as an alternative treatment.
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