Latanoprost & brinzolamide offer 24-hour IOP reductions

The combination of latanoprost and brinzolamide for the treatment of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) can successfully lower intraocular pressure (IOP) both during the day and at night, according to a report published in the June/July issue of the Journal of Glaucoma.

Kenji Nakamoto and Noriko Yasuda form the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, Tokyo, Japan conducted a study to assess the 24-hour variation in IOP seen in NTG patients being treated with the latanoprost/brinzolamide combination. A total of 44 eyes (22 subjects) were included and a mean 24-hour IOP variation was determined after a washout period of >/=4 weeks.

Latanoprost monotherapy was continued in both eyes for eight weeks and then patients were randomized to continue latanoprost in one eye and brinzolamide in the other. After eight-weeks follow-up, the 24-hour IOP variation was re-measured, eight times daily in the sitting position before and after treatment.

Both groups, those on latanoprost and those on the combination therapy, showed a significant decrease in IOP at all time points, however, those in the combination group demonstrated more significant mean decreases in nocturnal and diurnal IOP.

The researchers concluded that the combination treatment is more successful in lowering IOP over a 24-hour period than latanoprost alone.