title: Role of fixed combinations in the management of open-angle glaucoma.
abstract: The first-line option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is a single hypotensive agent, but patients frequently require additional IOP-lowering agents to reach their target pressures. Disadvantages of this multi-therapy approach include washout effect, inconvenience and poor adherence. Fixed combinations (FCs) combine two or more hypotensive agents in a single bottle, providing a convenient once-daily therapy, which tends to improve adherence. FCs generally offer equivalent efficacy to concomitant use of the individual components, with equivalent or superior tolerability. Studies also show that FCs can be more cost effective than nonfixed combinations. In terms of optimizing IOP control, minimizing visual field deterioration, preventing visual disability and minimizing associated healthcare costs, FCs are an important component of glaucoma management.
authors.affiliation: Krankenanstalt Sanatorium Hera, Lustkandlgasse 24, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. a.hommer@aon.at
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hommer
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D055118:Medication Adherence
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations