The short-term effect of adding brimonidine 0.2% to timolol treatment in patients with open-angle glaucoma


Yuksel N., Altintas O., Karabas L., Alp B., Caglar Y.

OPHTHALMOLOGICA, vol.213, no.4, pp.228-233, 1999 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 213 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 1999
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000027427
  • Journal Name: OPHTHALMOLOGICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.228-233
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Brimonidine, a highly selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist was studied to determine its ocular hypotensive effect and side effects in patients with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) while on continuing therapy with timolol. This was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 15 patients with primary open-angle or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma on therapy receiving timolol 0.5% twice daily, with IOP greater than or equal to 22 mm Hg in one eye. IOP measurements, blood pressure and pulse rate were assessed on 2 days at a baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h later. A single drop of brimonidine 0.2% or placebo was added to treatment with timolol. The reductions in IOP at all time intervals observed with brimonidine + timolol were significantly greater than those with timolol + placebo. The maximum mean net decrease in IOP was 19.23 +/- 10.60% at 4 h. Statistically significant decreases in systemic blood pressure and pulse rate without clinical symptoms were observed in the group receiving brimonidine + timolol. This study suggests that a combination of brimonidine and timolol may have potential in the treatment of glaucoma. Further clinical trials with brimonidine are indicated to assess its further role as adjunctive agent.