Patient preference, efficacy, and compliance with timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution versus timolol maleate ophthalmic solution in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.
This study was designed to compare timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution 0.5% (timolol gel) once daily with timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.5% (timolol solution) twice daily with respect to patient preference, intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect, and tolerability. A total of 202 patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma and an IOP > or = 22 mm Hg were enrolled in this 12-week, randomized, observer-masked, two-period crossover study. Significantly more patients preferred timolol gel to timolol solution (P < 0.001). Ninety-two percent of patients preferring timolol gel strongly agreed or agreed that once-daily dosing was a reason for their preference. Those who preferred timolol solution did so because of fewer side effects. The mean IOP-lowering effects of the 2 treatments were similar at both morning trough and peak time points. The incidence of drug-related adverse experiences was similar (timolol gel 11.4% vs timolol solution 10.9%). Because both treatments were well tolerated and effective in lowering IOP, timolol gel, with its once-daily dosing regimen, should be considered in patients who are candidates for therapy with an ophthalmic beta-blocking agent.
Schenker
H
H
Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA.
Maloney
S
S
Liss
C
C
Gormley
G
G
Hartenbaum
D
D
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D005782:Gels; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013999:Timolol