Intraocular pressure reduction using a fixed combination of timolol maleate 0.5% and brimonidine tartrate 0.2% administered three times daily

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a fixed combination of timolol maleate 0.5% + brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (Combigan®) for reduction for intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma when the dose frequency is increased from twice to three times daily. METHODS: The patients included had either primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Those who were previously on treatment completed a drug washout period prior to inclusion. IOP was measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment with Combigan twice daily, and again after a further 4 weeks of Combigan three times daily. Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were also recorded at each assessment. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes from 31 patients were included. Increasing the Combigan dose frequency resulted in a statistically significant (P < 0.001) additional reduction in IOP of 2.25 ± 1.18 mmHg, corresponding to a further 10.3% reduction in IOP from baseline. No local or systemic adverse effects were documented. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Combigan three times daily was more effective in reducing IOP than the twice-daily regimen, with no increase in adverse effects.