Introduction. This study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of
brinzolamide 1% suspension (Azopt? 1%) and travoprost 0.004% (Travatan?)
combined therapy in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
who are in need of additional intraocular pressure lowering. Material and
methods. This is a prospective, three-month, open-label, clinical study.
Forty patients (80 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular
hypertension on Travatan? treatment and with unsatis-factory results in
lowering intraocular pressure were included in the study. The qualifying
intraocular pressure on previous treatment with Travatan? (at least 6 weeks)
was 22-36 mmHg in at least one eye at 8 a.m. intraocular pressure
measurements at three eligibility visits. The patients received brinzolamide
1% twice a day in addition to travoprost 0.004% given once a day in the
evening for 3 months. The follow-up examinations assessing the safety and
efficacy of combined therapy of brinzolamide 1% and travoprost 0.004% were
performed after 1 and 3 months. Results. Adjunctive therapy with brinzolamide
resulted in statistically significant reductions in intraocular pressure from
the travoprost baseline at all visits. Treatment with brinzolamide/travoprost
caused statistically significant sustained reduction in intraocular pressure
with the reduction of 17.39% (p<0.001) after 4 weeks and 20.08% (p<0.001)
after 12 weeks. The intraocular pressure change from the baseline ranged from
-3.9 mmHg after 4 weeks to -4.48 mmHg after 12 weeks. The most frequently
related adverse effect was abnormal taste and blurred vision. Conclusion.
Brinzolamide 1% (b.i.d.) used adjunctively with travoprost 0.004% (q.d.)
lowers intraocular pressure significantly compared to travoprost alone. Both
drugs were well tolerated and safe in the studied patients.