Rational use of the fixed combination of dorzolamide – timolol in the management of raised intraocular pressure and glaucoma

Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy in which the main therapeutic target is lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in order to retard the progression of existing structural and functional damage. The three mainstays of treatment are pharmacologic, laser, and surgical. The primary standard therapy in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension is topical medication. When monotherapy does not adequately lower the intraocular pressure, one or more agents are added or substituted. Combination pharmacotherapy such as Cosopt(®) is available to improve efficacy and simplify medication regimen. A fixed combination of two ocular hypotensive drugs (the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dorzolamide and the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist timolol), Cosopt(®) is indicated for the treatment of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension insufficiently responsive to topical beta-adrenoceptor antagonist monotherapy. Compared with concomitant therapy with the individual components, the primary advantage of fixed combination dorzolamide – timolol is convenience, which may also improve compliance. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the fixed combination dorzolamide – timolol is safe, effective and generally well tolerated in lowering IOP in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, including individuals uncontrolled on beta-adrenoceptor antagonist or other monotherapy.