Purpose: We prospectively investigated the efficacy and safety of switching from concomitant latanoprost and carteolol hydrochloride (CH) to a latanoprost/carteolol fixed combination (LCFC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Patients and methods: A total of 43 patients (43 eyes) who were using latanoprost (once daily in the evening) and CH (once daily in the morning) concomitantly were switched to LCFC (once daily in the morning) with no washout interval. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in intraocular pressure (IOP) between baseline (before switching) and 1 and 3 months after switching. Systemic blood pressure and pulse rate, corneal epithelial defects, and tear film break-up time (TBUT) were also compared before and 1 and 3 months after switching. A questionnaire was administered 1 month after switching to investigate ocular comfort and treatment preferences. Adverse reactions and dropouts were recorded.
Results: There was no significant difference in IOP after switching to LCFC (15.0±2.6, 15.1±2.4, and 15.0±2.4 mm Hg at baseline and at 1 and 3 months, respectively). There was a significant decrease in corneal epithelial defects and significant increase in TBUT, without significant changes in systemic blood pressure or pulse rate. Three patients (7.3%) preferred concomitant latanoprost and CH; 33 (80.5%) preferred the LCFC. One patient each (9.3%) discontinued treatment because of foreign body sensation, blepharitis, increased IOP, or loss to follow-up.
Conclusions: Switching from concomitant latanoprost and CH to LCFC led to similar IOP control with good safety and patient acceptance, at least in the short term.