Additive effects of brimonidine tartrate 0.1%/brinzolamide 1% fixed-dose combination in prostaglandin analog-treated Japanese glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: A brimonidine tartrate 0.1%/brinzolamide 1% fixed-dose combination (BBFC) was recently approved for glaucoma and ocular hypertension treatment in Japan. We investigated the efficacy and safety of BBFC used concomitantly with prostaglandin analogs (PG) or a PG/beta-blocker fixed-dose combination (PG/beta FC). STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled Japanese patients with open-angle glaucoma. BBFC (Ailamide) was concomitantly administered to either the PG or the PG/beta FC group, and intraocular pressure (IOP) and safety were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks. The groups were stratified into low and high IOP baseline groups based on the median baseline IOP. RESULTS: We enrolled 100 patients, 91 of whom completed the 12-week follow-up. The mean ages were 67.1 and 65.7 years in the PG group (n = 45, baseline IOP of 15.7 ± 2.3 mmHg) and the PG/beta FC group (n = 46, baseline IOP of 16.3 ± 2.3 mmHg), respectively. After BBFC administration, IOPs at 4 and 12 weeks were 13.0 ± 2.0 and 13.0 ± 2.6 mmHg (P < 0.0001) in the PG group, respectively, and 13.7 ± 2.4 and 13.7 ± 2.2 mmHg (P < 0.0001) in the PG/beta FC group, respectively. IOP decreased by - 2.0 ± 1.8 mmHg (P < 0.0001) and -1.9 ± 1.4 mmHg (P < 0.0001) in the low baseline PG group (14.1 mmHg) and low baseline PG/beta FC group (14.8 mmHg) at 12 weeks, respectively. Sixteen adverse events were identified, all of which were common and did not affect visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: BBFC can be used concomitantly with PG or PG/beta FC to reduce IOP without serious complications.

[Long-acting carteolol hydrochloride 2% ophthalmic solution phase IV study--investigation of the effectiveness, safety and plasma concentration].

PURPOSE: We investigated the effectiveness, safety and plasma concentration of long-acting carteolol hydrochloride 2% ophthalmic solution (LA) as compared with the original carteolol hydrochloride 2% ophthalmic solution(CA). METHODS: Patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension were randomized to 62 patients of LA group (LA once a day) and 62 patients of CA group (CA twice a day) in this multicenter, open-label trial. The intraocular pressure (IOP), pulse rate, blood pressure and plasma concentration were examined for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The IOP reduction and reduction rate were not significant at any point between the two groups. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in both groups, however, diastolic blood pressure decreased only in the CA group. The plasma concentration of the LA group was significantly lower than that of the CA group. CONCLUSIONS: The IOP reduction effect of the LA group was the same as the CA group. This study suggests that long-acting treatment with alginic acid can be useful for reducing systemic side effects.