Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of a prostaglandin analogue and fixed-dose combination drug containing brinzolamide 1% and timolol maleate 0.5% (an experimental study)

Abstract

PURPOSE. Comparative evaluation of anti-hypertensive effectiveness of tafluprost 0.0015% (Taflotan), and a fixed-combination of benzolamide 1% and timolol maleate 0.5% (Azarga) preparation in an experimental animal model with artificially induced steroidal ophthalmic hypertension.

METHODS. The study experiments were performed on 30 sexually mature Chinchilla rabbits (60 eyes) with steroid-induced glaucoma modeled by ocular instillations of dexamethasone.

The animals were divided into 3 groups each consisting of 10 rabbits. The first group was the controls that were divided into two subgroups; they were instilled dexamethasone 0.1% two drops per day into the right eye (the left eye remained as control) for 20 days in subgroup 1, and for 30 days in subgroup 2.

The animals in group 2 received Azarga, group 3 — Taflotan. Animals of group 2 and 3 were divided into three subgroups: in subgroup 1 the animals were instilled the studied drugs for 10 days, in subgroup 2 — for 20 days, in subgroup 3 — for 30 days.

RESULTS. Both drugs reduced the intraocular pressure down to the reference range, i.e. 18–25 mm Hg. Animals that received instillations of Taflotan achieved the refe rence range values after 10 days, while the animals receiving Azarga — after 20 days.

CONCLUSIONS. Under the conditions of steroidal ophthalmic hypertension, instillations of both Azarga and Taflotan yield satisfactory results in terms of IOP reduction. The use of Taflotan allowed achieving the reference range values after 10 days, Azarga — after 20 days. Taking into account the ease of administration of Taflotan, it can be recommended as the most convenient and effective drug in terms of reducing intraocular pressure.