Fixed combination offers better IOP reduction

A fixed combination of brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.2% used twice a day lowers IOP significantly more than either drug alone and is as safe as either, according to results of a 6-month, Phase III study published in Ophthalmology.

In a randomized, multicentre, double-masked trial, the investigators studied 560 patients who had primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and IOP that was not reduced enough with their current therapy or who were taking at least two medications to lower their IOP. Of the participants, 193 received the drug combination, 192 were given brinzolamide, and 175 took brimonidine.

Diurnal IOP at baseline was similar across participants. At the third month, those taking the combination treatment had experienced a significant lowering of mean diurnal IOP from baseline (26.7% to 36.0%) compared with those using only brinzolamide (22.4% to 27.9%) or brimonidine (20.6% to 31.3%).

Hyperaemia, blurred vision, allergic-type reactions and discomfort were the most common adverse reactions associated with drugs in the study. Hyperaemia occurred less frequently with brinzolamide than with the combination treatment or brimonidine. Blurred vision and ocular discomfort were slightly more common with the combination treatment than with either drug alone.

To read an abstract of the study, click here.