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"Cosopt" by Merck & Co., (dorzolamide hydrochloride - timolol maleate ophthalmic solution), is a new drug recently approved by the FDA. It represents the first combination drop treatment for patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma who have had beneficial effects from the two drops given separately.
The drug consists of two components, dorzolamide and timolol, each of which works to decrease the aqueous (fluid) flow into the eye. The first component has been marketed under the name "Trusopt" and the second under the name "Timolol." Studies indicate that additional reduction of IOP with the use of this combination drug is possible, compared to using either of the drugs alone.
Using a combination drug treatment could reduce the need for multiple-bottle patient regimens, thereby assisting patients in following a simpler, less confusing treatment schedule. The combination drop is usually administered twice daily.
During the manufacturer's trial period, the most common side effects reported were altered taste sensation, stinging or burning of the eye, blurred vision, eye itching, and eye redness caused by congestion of blood vessels within the eye.
"Azopt" by Alcon Laboratories has also recently been approved by the FDA. This medication (brinzolamide) is a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI), meaning that it functions to reduce aqueous fluid flow into the eye, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. This drug is typically administered to patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.
Clinical trials have shown IOP reduction to be equal to that of Trusopt, the only other CAI currently on the market, and the therapy was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated. Patients found brinzolamide to be more comfortable than dorzolamide and could encourage patients to follow the course of treatment prescribed by doctors more stringently.
Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have been used by glaucoma patients for over three decades. However, systemic side effects such as fatigue, gastrointestinal disturbances, and a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness have often caused patients to request that their doctors change their drug treatment. In the topical form (eyedrops), CAIs are considered to be effective in lower doses, usually below the level which causes the above systemic side effects.
Brinzolamide is typically prescribed for use twice a day. Possible side effects of this topical drug include: allergy, altered taste sensation, stinging or burning of the eye, blurred vision, eye itching, and eye redness.
Note: If you are interested in using any of these new medications, consult your eye doctor.
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