title: An evaluation of the fixed-combination of latanoprost and timolol for use in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
abstract: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Although there is no cure for this chronic disease, medical treatment is aimed at reducing levels of intraocular pressure (IOP) using ocular hypotensive agents. Very often, patients require more than one IOP-reducing drug, resulting in complex medication regimens that may be difficult to maintain and that can lead to non-compliance. A fixed-combination (FC) ophthalmic solution consisting of the prostaglandin, latanoprost (0.005%), and the beta-blocker, timolol (0.5%), is now available. The primary mechanism of action of latanoprost is to increase uveoscleral outflow whereas timolol lowers IOP levels by decreasing the formation of aqueous humor in the ciliary epithelium. Due to the unique mechanism of action of latanoprost, once-daily dosing of one drop of FC latanoprost/timolol results in additional IOP reduction compared with either drug administered separately. FC latanoprost/timolol is well-tolerated and has a safety profile similar to that of its individual components. This combination drug provides a safe, effective and convenient alternative for the treatment of patients with elevated IOP levels uncontrolled with monotherapy.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science, Houston Texas, USA. rmfeldman@swbell.net
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D000077338:Latanoprost; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013999:Timolol / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost; D013999:Timolol