title: Timogel® vs timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution: efficacy, safety, and acceptance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Timogel® preservative-free once daily compared to timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution bid in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 75 patients with OHT and patients with POAG treated with timolol 0.5% bid with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg were enrolled. They underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, IOP measurements (at trough and daytime curve), evaluation of side effects, Schirmer test, break-up time [BUT], blood pressure, heart rate, ocular diastolic perfusion pressure measurements, and acceptance (Comparison of Ophthalmic Medications for Tolerability). Patients switched to Timogel® and were re-evaluated 3 months later. The analysis of variance and the Pearson Chi2 tests were used to test differences between the treatments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intraocular pressure reduction at trough was 23.6% with timolol 0.5% and 22.3% with Timogel®. No statistical differences were observed in IOP values at trough and in the daytime curve between the 2 treatments. Local and systemic side effects were less frequent with Timogel® (hazard ratio: p<0.05). Patients demonstrated a significant improvement of Schirmer test and BUT (p<0.05) and a reduction of dryness and foreign body sensation (42.6% vs 15.4%; p<0.01) after switching to Timogel®. Mild and short-lasting blurred vision after Timogel® instillation occurred in about 18.5% of patients. A total of 82% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with Timogel® vs 61% with previous treatment (p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Timogel® preservative-free dosed once every morning has a 24-hour hypotensive effect with a better safety profile than timolol 0.5% bid and it is well-accepted by patients. The once-daily dosing improved acceptance and compliance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Section of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Torino, Torino, Italy. teresa.rolle@unito.it
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rolle
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Curto
authors.forename: Camilla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alovisi
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Franzone
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brogliatti
authors.forename: Federico M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Grignolo
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005782:Gels; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism; D013999:Timolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D005782:Gels; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013999:Timolol