title: A cross-over trial comparing once daily levobunolol with once and twice daily timolol.
abstract: The intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of once-daily levobunolol 0.5% was compared with timolol 0.5% twice-daily and timolol 0.5% once-daily in 20 chronic open angle glaucoma and 5 ocular hypertensive patients. The design used was a randomised double blind cross-over trial with three periods each of 8 weeks separated by 2 weeks of no treatment. We found that following levobunolol a two week washout was not sufficient for the IOP to return to its original baseline level suggesting that levobunolol is a longer acting drug than timolol. Adjusting for this carryover effect, we found on significant difference in the IOP lowering effect among the three regimes (p = 0.53). Reduced cost, less ocular discomfort and better compliance are the main potential advantages of the once daily treatments.
authors.affiliation: University of Leicester School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, England.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Akafo
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002040:Levobunolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013999:Timolol; D002040:Levobunolol