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

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 kappaalphaiota 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 kappaalphaiota 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.