Summary Thirtv patients received topical application of either timolol ophthalmic solution 0.25%, or normal saline, 2 h before elective ophthalmic surgery in a double‐blind study. The responses to suxamethonium and tracheal intubation were compared by measuring intra‐ocular pressure before induction of anaesthesia, 1 mm after administration of thiopentone 2–4 mg·kg−1 min after administration of suxamethonium 1 mg·kg−1, and I, 2.5 and 5 min after tracheal intubation. There was no significant difference between the groups.