[The ocular hypotensive effect and safety of 0.2% brimonidine].

PURPOSE: To study the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of 0.2% Brimonidine when used in chinese people.

METHODS

Using randominzed parallel group control study, 0.2% Brimonidine twice a day or 1% Carteolol twice a day was applied in patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension for three months.

RESULTS

The results showed that 0.2% Brimonidine and 1% Carteolol both have good ocular hypotensive efficacy. There was no significant difference between them. 0.2% Brimonidine did not produce significant changes in pupil size and heart rate. Change in blood pressure was not clinically significant. Six patients with 0.2% Brimonidine had drowsiness. Two patients had dry mouth. One patient had ocular burning.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that 0.2% Brimonidine would be a stable and effective antiglaucoma medicine with good tolerance. Thus, 0.2% Brimonidine should be the main choice of medical therapy for primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hepertension.