Efficacy of brimonidine 0.2 per cent as adjunctive therapy to beta-blockers: a comparative study between POAG and CACG in Asian eyes.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety profile of brimonidine as adjunctive therapy to beta-blockers between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) in Asian eyes. DESIGN: Three-months, open-label, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients (35 eyes) with POAG and 25 patients (39 eyes) with CACG were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTION Patients with POAG or CACG post iridectomy whose IOP was inadequately controlled with topical beta-blocker monotherapy were included. Then, brimonidine 0.2 per cent was added twice daily in both groups. Study visit occurred at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed in all visits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy was determined by reduction in IOP from baseline and tolerability was assessed by reports of adverse events. RESULTS: After 3 months of brimonidine adjunctive treatment, the mean (+/- SEM) IOP reduction were 4.37+/-0.34 mmHg (19.4%) in POAG and 4.54+/-0.37 mmHg (20.1%) in CACG (p= 0.741). No serious ocular or systemic adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION: Brimonidine was well tolerated, efficacious and provided additive IOP reduction in POAG and CACG.