Preliminary results following the use of a fixed combination of timolol–brimonidine in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

Dimitris Papaconstantinou1, Ilias Georgalas2, Nikolaos Kourtis1, Christos Pitsas1, Efthimios Karmiris1, Chrysanthi Koutsandrea1, Ioannis Ladas1, Gerasimos Georgopoulos11Department of Ophthalmology, “G Gennimatas” Hospital of Athens, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; 2Department of Ophthalmology, “G Gennimatas” Hospital of Athens, NHS, Athens, Greece Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy in intraocular pressure (IOP) control and the tolerance of a topically administered fixed combination of timolol–brimonidine in 50 patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma.Methods: After determining a baseline IOP, the fixed combination timolol–brimonidine was used twice daily for two months, while IOP, ophthalmic signs, and/or symptoms were monitored.Results: The mean IOP value was decreased from 23.09 mm Hg (±1.98 SD) to 17.46 mm Hg (±1.47 SD) during the 1st month (paired Student’s t test = 9.88 και p < 0.001), and to 17.51 mm Hg (±1.43 SD) in the 2nd month. Between the 1st and 2nd month, no statistical difference was observed (paired Student’s t test = 0.02 και p < 0.1). In 8% of the patients during the 1st month and 10% of patients in the 2nd month, some ophthalmic signs were observed, while only mild ophthalmic symptoms were reported in 6% and 8% of the patients, respectively.Conclusions: In conclusion, the fixed combination of timolol–brimonidine has a satisfactory IOP-lowering effect without any serious side effects due to the topical use. Keywords: fixed combination 0.2% brimonidine–0.5% timolol, ocular hypertension, primary open-angle glaucoma