Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Latanoprost versus Fixed Combination of Tafluprost and Timolol in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a progressive disease that requires lifelong treatment to maintain visual function. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered the most important treatable risk factor for disease development and progression. The present prospective study was initiated to compare the IOP lowering efficacy and safety of the preservative-free (PF) fixed combination of 0.0015% tafluprost and 0.5% timolol maleate (FCTT) administered once daily versus 0.005% latanoprost (LT) once daily. Materials and Methods: One hundred newly diagnosed patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled and randomized into two groups. The first LP group was prescribed 0.005% latanoprost eye drops once daily, whereas the second FCTT group was prescribed a PF fixed combination of 0.0015% tafluprost and 0.5% timolol once daily. In both groups, IOP was recorded at baseline, at the end of the fourth, eighth, and twelfth weeks, and six months after, and any adverse effects were assessed. The primary efficacy endpoint, absolute mean IOP reduction six months after LP or FCTT treatment from baseline IOP, was statistically significant for both treatment groups (P<0.0001). However, the IOP-lowering efficacy of latanoprost was superior to FCTT. In the LP group, IOP decreased from 26.32±2.0 mmHg at baseline to 18.40 ± 1.57 mmHg six months after treatment with a mean reduction of 8.60±1.57 mmHg (31.8%). In the FCTT group, IOP decreased from 26.23±1.97 mmHg at baseline to 17.49±1.28 mmHg six months after treatment, with a mean reduction of 6.51±1.28 mmHg (27.1%). Latanoprost caused a greater reduction in mean IOP than FCTT in the second follow-up visit (P<0.05), the third follow-up visit (P<0.05), and the difference was much greater in the fourth follow-up visit (P<0.0001) Conclusion: The absolute mean IOP reduction from baseline at six months is statistically significant in LP or FCTT treatment. Compared to FCTT, 0.005% latanoprost administered once daily has a more significant IOP-lowering effect and safety for up to six months.

Keywords

• primary open-angle glaucoma
• latanoprost
• tafluprost/timolol fixed combination
• intraocular pressure