Short-term efficacy of apraclonidine hydrochloride added to maximum- tolerated medical therapy for glaucoma

A. L. Robin, R. Ritch, D. H. Shin, B. Smythe, T. Mundorf, R. P. Lehmann, D. Brotherman, C. Camras, R. Derick, D. T. Garrett, R. Gross, F. Kapetansky, L. J. Katz, P. Kaufman, R. Lehmann, A. Mandell, James P McCulley, K. Olander, A. Roberts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: We determined whether the addition of topical apraclonidine hydrochloride to eyes that are receiving maximal medical therapy but still have inadequate intraocular pressure control and that are scheduled to undergo surgery could adequately decrease intraocular pressure, postponing the need for further intervention. METHODS: We performed a prospective, 90- day, multicentered, placebo-controlled, double-masked parallel study. We enrolled one eye each of 174 glaucoma patients with inadequate intraocular pressure control who were on maximally tolerated medical therapy. We continued to administer maximum medical therapy for glaucoma. Study medications were either apraclonidine hydrochloride 0.5% or placebo (apraclonidine's vehicle). Patients were instructed to take the study medication every eight hours. We measured intraocular pressure, change in intraocular pressure from baseline, and the number of eyes requiring surgery after the addition of study medication. RESULTS: Fifty-two (60%) of 86 patients treated with apraclonidine maintained adequate intraocular pressure control throughout the study and avoided surgery, compared with 28 (32%) of 88 patients treated with placebo (P < .001). Apraclonidine treatment resulted in significantly more patients attaining an additional 20% reduction or more in intraocular pressure from baseline and an intraocular pressure less than or equal to 20 mm Hg (P < .05). The most common ocular complication was conjunctival hyperemia (11 of 86 patients, 12.8%). The most frequent nonocular problem was dry mouth (four patients, 4.7%). CONCLUSION: Apraclonidine appeared to be safe in all eyes and efficacious in some eyes. It significantly lowered intraocular pressure when used in combination with maximally tolerated medical therapy, which delayed or prevented further glaucoma surgery for at least 90 days in 52 (60%) of 86 treated patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)423-432
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican journal of ophthalmology
Volume120
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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