Allergic contact dermatitis due to the beta-blocker betaxolol in eyedrops, with cross-sensitivity to timolol.

A 59-year-old man, with no history of atopy or allergy, had long been treated for open-angle glaucoma with eyedrops containing the β-blocker betaxolol (Betoptic®) when he developed acute eyelid dermatitis, associated with conjunctival hyperaemia (Fig. 1). His condition rapidly improved after withdrawing betaxolol and using topical corticosteroids. Patch testing with the European baseline series, a preservatives series, and ophthalmic medicaments series (including no β-blockers) was negative. On patch testing with the patient’s own ophthalmic medicaments and then with ophthalmic medicaments containing betaxolol or other β-blockers, the positive reactions in Table 1 were found.