Intraocular pressure-raising potential of 1.0% rimexolone in patients responding to corticosteroids.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) elevating potential of 1.0% rimexolone and 0.1% fluorometholone alcohol ophthalmic suspensions in patients known to have responded to corticosteroids.


METHODS
In a double-masked, randomized, single-eye, crossover protocol, corticosteroid responsiveness initially was verified in 40 asymptomatic known steroid responders by challenge with either 0.1% dexamethasone sodium phosphate or 1.0% prednisolone acetate for up to 6 weeks. After a 1-month medication washout, subjects randomly received either rimexolone or fluorometholone for 6 weeks. Medications were again discontinued for 1 month, and subjects then received the alternate drug for 6 weeks.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between rimexolone and fluorometholone in the number of subjects demonstrating a 10-mm Hg increase in IOP or in the mean number of weeks required to achieve a 10-mm Hg response. Responses occurred in significantly more subjects receiving dexamethasone sodium phosphate (P = .001) or prednisolone acetate (P < .001) and in a significantly shorter interval than in subjects receiving rimexolone.


CONCLUSIONS
Rimexolone has a low IOP-elevating potential, comparable to that of fluorometholone and less than that of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and prednisolone acetate.
Leibowitz
H M
HM
Boston University School of Medicine, Mass, USA.
Bartlett
J D
JD
Rich
R
R
McQuirter
H
H
Stewart
R
R
Assil
K
K
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005469:Fluorometholone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011245:Pregnadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011245:Pregnadienes; D003907:Dexamethasone; D011239:Prednisolone; C013769:rimexolone; D005469:Fluorometholone