Intraocular pressure-lowering effects and safety of brimonidine/brinzolamide fixed combination after switching from other medications

Purpose To investigate the effects of switching to brimonidine/brinzolamide fixed combination (BBFC) eye drops on intraocular pressure (IOP) and safety. Study design A retrospective observational study. Methods We enrolled 238 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were switched to BBFC eye drops, from June 2020 to March 2021 from their previous medications without a washout period. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on previous medications: Group A, brimonidine and brinzolamide concomitantly; Group B, brinzolamide; and Group C, brimonidine. IOP at baseline, after 3 months, and after 6 months in each group were compared. Results In Group A (n = 102), there was no difference in IOP at baseline (14.4 ± 3.0 mmHg), 3 months (14.1 ± 3.1 mmHg), and 6 months (13.9 ± 2.8 mmHg). In Group B (n = 104), IOP significantly decreased at 3 months and 6 months (baseline, 14.8 ± 3.0 mmHg; 3 months, 13.1±2.6 mmHg; 6 months 13.8±2.9 mmHg; P < 0.0001). In Group C (n = 32), IOP significantly decreased at 3 months and 6 months (baseline, 16.2 ± 3.5 mmHg; 3 months, 15.2 ± 3.5 mmHg; 6 months, 14.6 ± 3.2 mmHg; P < 0.01). Adverse reactions occurred in 6.9%, 18.3%, and 15.6% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The frequent adverse reactions in all patients were conjunctival hyperemia (3.4%), conjunctivitis (2.9%), blepharitis (2.9%), and itching (2.5%). Conclusion BBFC had satisfactory IOP-lowering effects without serious adverse reactions in patients who switched medications.