advertisement
Abstract #6842 Published in IGR 4-1
The latest viewpoint on prostaglandin analogues
Samples J; Schacknow P; Barnebey H; Robin AL; Craven ER; Weiner AFormulary 2001; 36: 4-19
Dr. Robin: Our treatment of glaucoma has changed dramatically over the last five years with the introduction of prostaglandin analogues. These analogues have increased systemic safety and lowered IOP more than other classes of medication. They offer a compliance advantage with once-a-day dosing, and their efficacy in lowering IOP may be equivalent to combined therapy with other medications. All the analogues, however, are not the same. There are differences in occurrence of hyperemia and systemic side effects, packaging, and, most importantly, racial differences in efficacy. Travoprost clearly lowers IOP better in blacks than in nonblacks. Dr. Barnebey: The prostaglandin analogues have emerged as first-line treatment for glaucoma. They offer around-the-clock protection by flattening the diurnal curve, and they are more predictable in their response rate. As Dr. Robin pointed out, prostaglandin analogues are not all alike; they differ in terms of efficacy and safety. Dr. Samples: Travoprost also works well to reduce IOP to medically acceptable levels when combined with beta-blockers and other classes of medication. The side effect profile with travoprost has been very good with respect to patient acceptance. The fact that it does not require refrigeration is a great advantage in terms of how it is distributed through managed care environments that must pay to ship products cold.
Dr. J. Samples, Casey Eye Institute, Portland, OR, USA
Classification:
11.4 Prostaglandins (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
