Fixed brimonidine/timolol combination is effective and has less complications

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A fixed combination of two leading glaucoma medications is as effective as the two prescribed together and more effective than either prescribed alone, one physician said.

E.R. Craven, MD, told attendees at the American Glaucoma Society meeting that the fixed combination of brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% was more effective in his study than either brimonidine and timolol singularly or in concomitant combination.

“The brimonidine/timolol fixed combination twice a day is as effective as the concurrent use of brimonidine and timolol,” Dr. Craven said. “And it is significantly more effective than either of the monotherapies given alone.”

In addition, he said, half as many patients discontinued use of the fixed combination drug as the brimonidine as a result of ocular allergy.

A total of 385 patients on the fixed combination drug were compared with 382 patients on brimonidine monotherapy and 392 patients on timolol monotherapy. This group was followed for 12 months. A second trial compared 188 patients on the fixed combination to 183 patients on concomitant brimonidine and timolol.

Dr. Craven said the fixed combination was not only better than results with either medication solely or with concomitant dosing. The fixed combination was also better than brimonidine monotherapy treatment in both long-term safety and ocular allergy issues.