Brimonidine 0.2% given two or three times daily versus timolol maleate 0.5% in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brimonidine 0.2% two or three times daily versus timolol maleate 0.5% solution twice daily.

METHODS:

Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were randomized by Latin square technique to one of the three treatment sequences in this crossover, prospective double-masked trial. Each treatment period consisted of 6 weeks of chronic dosing followed by a diurnal curve for the intraocular pressure measured at 08:00, 10:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, and 24:00 hours. Intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry.

RESULTS:

Thirty patients completed this trial. The average diurnal intraocular pressures in the trial were measured for timolol maleate (17.7 +/- 2.7 mm Hg), brimonidine given three times daily (18.0 +/- 2.2 mm Hg), and brimonidine given twice daily (19.2 +/- 2.4 mm Hg). There was a statistical difference between groups (P <.005). When groups were compared by pairs, three times daily dosing with brimonidine and timolol maleate both reduced the pressure more than twice daily brimonidine at every time point past 10:00 hours and for the diurnal curve (P <.05). In contrast, three times daily brimonidine and timolol maleate were statistically similar for the diurnal pressure, and each time point, except timolol maleate, decreased the pressure more at 16:00 (P =.042). Safety was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrated that both timolol maleate twice daily and brimonidine three times daily provide a similar intraocular pressure reduction to each other. Timolol maleate twice daily and brimonidine three times daily provide a greater decrease in pressure in the late afternoon and nighttime hours, compared with brimonidine twice daily.

• Authors: A G Konstas, W C Stewart, F Topouzis, I Tersis, K T Holmes, N T Stangos
• Journal: American journal of ophthalmology (Am J Ophthalmol) Vol. 131 Issue 6 Pg. 729-33 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 0002-9394 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11384568 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
• Quinoxalines
• Brimonidine Tartrate
• Timolol

Topics

• Adrenergic alpha-Agonists (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Adrenergic beta-Antagonists (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Aged
• Brimonidine Tartrate
• Circadian Rhythm
• Cross-Over Studies
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Glaucoma, Open-Angle (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Osmolar Concentration
• Prospective Studies
• Quinoxalines (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Timolol (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)