Comparison of fixed combinations of dorzolamide/timolol and brimonidine/timolol in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

To compare the short-term effectiveness and ocular side-effects of fixed combinations of dorzolamide/timolol (DTFC) and brimonidine/timolol (BTFC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Forty-two eyes of 42 patients newly diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma were assessed prospectively. One of the two eyes was chosen randomly and treated with DTFC (2 × 1) for 4 weeks. The treatment was then stopped to allow a 4-week wash-out period. Following the wash-out period, the same eye was treated with BTFC (2 × 1) for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure (IOP) values were measured before and after each treatment at 0800, 1,200 and 1,600 h. Tear function test results and ocular side-effects were also recorded. The mean baseline IOP values for DTFC and BTFC were 24.1 ± 1.8 and 24.6 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. The mean IOP values after 4 weeks of treatment with DTFC or BTFC were 17.1 ± 2.9 and 16.9 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively. Both medications reduced IOP values significantly (P = 0.0000). The effectiveness of both medications was similar (P = 0.7363). Both combinations significantly reduced the amount of tear secretion and tear break-up time (P = 0.0000). Eye burning was more common with DTFC than with BTFC (P = 0.0182). Other adverse effects were observed at similar rates for both combinations. This study demonstrated that the IOP-reducing effects of DTFC and BTFC in patients with POAG are similar. The side-effect profile of BTFC is similar to that of DTFC. Lower occurrence of a burning sensation may improve patient compliance in the BTFC group.