Comparison of efficacy and tolerability between two gel-forming timolol maleate ophthalmic solutions in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two gel-forming timolol maleate ophthalmic solutions, Timoptol XE and Lizmon TG, in regard to efficacy and tolerability in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension by means of a patient-masked prospective randomized crossover study.


METHODS
A total of 37 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension under treatment with antiglaucoma ophthalmic solutions including 0.5% twice-daily timolol maleate participated in this study. Only timolol maleate was withdrawn and either Timoptol XE or Lizmon TG was randomly allocated. After instillation for 1 month, the other ophthalmic solution was subsequently instilled for another month. Routine ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp examination and intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring was conducted before instillation of gel-forming ophthalmic solutions and just after completing the instillation of each ophthalmic solution. Patient questionnaire surveys were also performed just after completing the instillation of each ophthalmic solution.


RESULTS
Mean IOP, just before the withdrawal of timolol ophthalmic solution, was 16.4 +/- 2.9 mm Hg. At the end of Timoptol XE or Lizmon TG instillation, mean IOPs were 16.3 +/- 2.5 or 16.3 +/- 3.0 mm Hg, respectively. The results of the questionnaire survey showed no significant difference between Timoptol XE and Lizmon TG in regard to all survey items. Twenty-nine patients (78.4%) preferred to use gel-forming timolol solutions rather than twice-daily timolol ophthalmic solution. The presence of concurrently used ophthalmic solutions did not effect the incidences of subjective symptoms. The incidences of objective adverse effects were not significantly different between two gel-forming timolol ophthalmic solutions.


CONCLUSIONS
Both gel-forming timolol ophthalmic solutions could be good choices for glaucoma treatment.
Shibuya
Takashi
T
Ichikawadaimon Municipal Hospital, Ichikawadaimon, Japan.
Kashiwagi
Kenji
K
Tsukahara
Shigeo
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013999:Timolol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D005782:Gels; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013999:Timolol