Effect of brimonidine 0.5% on intraocular pressure spikes following 360% argon laser trabeculoplasty. The Brimonidine-ALT Study Group.
OBJECTIVE
Brimonidine tartrate 0.5%, a topical alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, was administered before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) to evaluate its efficacy against postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes.


METHODS
Two randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled investigations evaluated four treatment regimens in 471 patients undergoing ALT for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The combined results are presented.


RESULTS
IOP elevations > or = 10 mm Hg occurred in 1% (1/122) of the patients who received brimonidine before and after ALT; in 2% (2/119) of those receiving brimonidine before and vehicle after; in 1% (1/114) of those receiving vehicle before and brimonidine after; and in 23% (27/116) of those receiving vehicle before and after (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
The brimonidine regimens were generally effective and well-tolerated ocularly and systemically.
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014130:Trabeculectomy
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate