What is the name of the drug that treats glaucoma by decreasing aqueous humor production?

Timolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist (beta-blocker) commonly used in the treatment of glaucoma. Its primary mechanism involves reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure, which is crucial for managing glaucoma effectively. By inhibiting the beta receptors in the ciliary body, timolol leads to decreased secretion of fluid that contributes to intraocular pressure.

While other options may be involved in glaucoma treatment, they function differently. For instance, acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that also reduces aqueous humor production but is typically used in acute scenarios or specific cases rather than as a primary long-term treatment. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog that primarily increases aqueous humor outflow rather than directly decreasing production. Brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, functions primarily by decreasing aqueous humor production as well but is often used in conjunction with other medications for enhanced efficacy. Thus, timolol maleate is recognized for its specific role in directly reducing aqueous humor production, making it the correct answer for the treatment of glaucoma.