24-Hour control with a latanoprost-timolol fixed combination vs timolol alone.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) control with an evening-dosed latanoprost-timolol maleate fixed combination vs timolol alone in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.


METHODS
After a medicine-free period, qualified patients were randomized to either placebo dosed in the morning with a latanoprost-timolol fixed combination dosed in the evening or timolol alone dosed twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients were then switched to the opposite treatment for 8 weeks. At baseline and at the end of each treatment period, patients underwent IOP measurements.


RESULTS
Both treatments reduced the IOP from untreated baseline at each time point and for the 24-hour curve (P<.001). When treatments were compared, the latanoprost-timolol fixed combination decreased the IOP more than timolol alone at each time point and for the 24-hour curve (2.9 mm Hg), and provided a lower absolute IOP at each time point (P<.001) and for the range (fluctuation) in IOP (P = .003) and for the 24-hour curve. Several adverse effects were observed more often with the latanoprost-timolol fixed combination, including ocular stinging (P = .05), conjunctival hyperemia (P = .02), and ocular itching (P = .04).


CONCLUSIONS
The evening-dosed latanoprost-timolol fixed combination may provide better IOP control than timolol alone over 24 hours and may demonstrate a narrower range of IOP fluctuation in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.
Konstas
Anastasios G P
AG
Glaucoma Unit, A University Department of Ophthalmology, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Lake
Symeon
S
Economou
Athanasios I
AI
Kaltsos
Kostantinos
K
Jenkins
Jessica N
JN
Stewart
William C
WC
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077338:Latanoprost; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost; D013999:Timolol