A Randomized Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Timolol Ophthalmic Solution as an Acute Treatment of Migraine

July 1, 2019 updated by: University of Kansas Medical Center

A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Cross Over Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Timolol Ophthalmic Solution as an Acute Treatment of Migraine

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy (headache freedom at 2 hours) of Timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution compared to placebo in acute treatment of migraine headache. And to assess the safety and tolerability of Timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution in treatment of acute migraine headache.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Oral beta-blockers are a class of medications frequently used to control blood pressure, angina, and heart irregularities. Certain oral beta-blockers such as propranolol and timolol are used on a daily basis to prevent migraines. However, propranolol and timolol tablets have not been shown to be effective as an acute treatment to stop attacks of migraine because of their longer onset of action. We propose that, since beta-blocker eye drops, unlike tablets are quickly absorbed through the covering of the eye and lining of the nose and can be detected in the bloodstream within minutes, can be beneficial and efficacious in the treatment of headache abortion.

Timolol is a non-selective beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist. Oral timolol (20-30 mg daily) has been studied in 3 randomized controlled trials and have been found to reduce headache frequency by more than 50% when compared to placebo. It has been approved by FDA for prophylactic use in migraine patients and had level A evidence to support this indication. The prophylactic benefit of beta-blockers in migraine treatment is not completely understood. It may be related to the effect of beta-blockers on central autonomic vascular tone center, which in turn modulate the cerebrovascular reactivity to sensory stimulation.Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic blocker modulates serotonergic transmission, regulates peri aqueductal pathway activation and prevents central sensitization, normalizes neuronal excitability in the CNS, and blocks cortical spreading depression (CSD). Topical ocular beta blockers have been reported to be successful in retinal arteriolar spasm, retinal migraines causing visual field defects, migraines causing oculomotor nerve palsy, and as abortive agents in migraine patients. Topical timolol maleate solution 0.5% reaches a concentration of 0.5 ng/ml in the plasma within 4 hours of first dose after being used twice daily for 7 days.

Topical beta-blockers so far have been noted to be effective for acute migraine episodes only in case reports. We believe that this pilot study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a timolol eye drop for acute treatment of migraine headaches, will open doors for future trials and larger studies. If successful, this will be able establish the use of beta-blocker eye drops which is a simple, painless and low cost acute treatment of migraine.

The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of timolol eye drops for the acute treatment of migraine.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
25

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Kansas
      • Kansas City, Kansas, United States, 66160
        • University of Kansas Medical Center

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

14 years to 61 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of migraine, with or without aura, according to ICHD-2 criteria (Appendix A) for at least 1 year prior to screening; experience an average of 1 to 8 migraines per month.
  • Females must be practicing an effective method of birth control before entry and throughout the study, or be surgically sterile, or be postmenopausal
  • Females of child-bearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test
  • Subjects should be able to demonstrate the ability to properly administer study medication
  • Subjects should be able and willing to read and comprehend written instructions and complete the diary information required by the protocol
  • Subjects must be capable, in the opinion of the Investigator, of providing informed consent or assent to participate in the study
  • Subjects (and their legally acceptable representatives, if applicable) must provide an informed consent indicating that they understand the purpose of and procedures required for the study and are willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Inability to distinguish other headaches from migraine
  • Experiences headache of any kind at a frequency greater than or equal to 15 days per month
  • Current use of medication for migraine prophylaxis that has not been stable (no dose adjustment) for 30 days prior to screening
  • Chronic opioid therapy for headaches (> 3 consecutive days in the 30 days prior to screening)
  • Hemiplegic migraine
  • History, symptoms or signs of ischemic cardiac, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular syndromes
  • History of glaucoma and/or current treatment with prescription eye drops
  • History of naso-lacrimal duct ("tear duct problem" to patients) obstruction or surgery for such
  • Active treatment by ophthalmologist or optometrist for any severe ophthalmic disease or problem
  • Any physical problems or co-ordination difficulty or eye avoidance sensitivity ("squeezer") that would preclude proper installation of eye drops in either or both eyes
  • History of uncontrolled asthma, COPD, or reversible airway disease which in the opinion of the investigator would be worsened by the use of beta blockers
  • History of clinically symptomatic bradycardia, congestive heart failure, or hypotension
  • Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus
  • Uncontrolled Hyperthyroidism
  • History (within 2 years) of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Systemic disease, which in the opinion of the Investigator, would contraindicate participation
  • History of a neurological or psychiatric condition, which in the opinion of the Investigator would contraindicate participation
  • History of hypersensitivity or intolerance to beta-blockers eye drops
  • Pregnant or lactating women
  • Have taken any investigational medication within 12 weeks before randomization, or are scheduled to receive an investigational drug
  • Subjects, who in opinion of the Investigator, should not be enrolled in the study because of the precautions, warnings or contra-indications sections of the timolol Package Insert

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Group 1: Timolol
Participants will be given 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solution to use after migraine onset. Participants will put 2 drops of solution in each eye after migraine and then again 2 hours later.
Drug: Timolol
Timolol is a clear solution supplied in a plastic ophthalmic dispenser.
Other Names:
  • 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solution
  • beta blocker eye drops
Placebo Comparator: Group 2: Placebo
Participants will be given matching placebo (0.9% normal saline solution) to use after migraine onset. Participants will put 2 drops of solution in each eye after migraine and then again 2 hours later.
Drug: Placebo
Placebo is normal saline solution that will be supplied in container matched to Timolol container.
Other Names:
  • inactive drug

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Headache Severity
Time Frame: Headache/ pain severity at onset and at 120 minutes post intervention use
Measure of the change in severity using visual analogue pain scale ranging from 0-10 with zero being no pain and ten being worst pain. Scale will be completed after each migraine episode over course of participation in study, up to 8 weeks.
Headache/ pain severity at onset and at 120 minutes post intervention use

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Adverse Reaction From Using Timolol Eye Drops
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Measured by number of adverse events experienced by the participants from the intervention. Each adverse event was counted as one.
8 weeks
Number of Participants Satisfied With Intervention
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Measured by patient-reported satisfaction questionnaire. Satisfaction level was looked at as "satisfactory and very satisfactory" compared to "neutral and unsatisfied".
8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
University of Kansas Medical Center

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Dipika Aggarwal, MD, University of Kansas Medical Center

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
February 27, 2017

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
April 14, 2018

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
April 14, 2018

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
February 8, 2019

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 8, 2019

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
February 11, 2019

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
July 2, 2019

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 1, 2019

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
July 1, 2019

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • STUDY00140465

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

Yes

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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