Brinzolamide-timolol suspension: acceptability and side effect profile

MD Doherty, SG Fraser, PS Phelan
Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK

Background: This study aimed to determine the frequency, nature, and impact of side effects associated with the use of brinzolamide-timolol suspension, a topical ocular antihypertensive preparation.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 76 consecutive patients attending the Sunderland Eye Infirmary Glaucoma Service who were using the brinzolamide-timolol suspension. The questions related specifically to effects on daily life, blurring of vision, stinging, irritation, and acceptability compared with any drops previously used. Respondents were asked to grade their answers to these questions using a numerical scale from 0 to 10.
Results: Seventy-six patients (100%) responded, comprising 58 females and 18 males, aged 68–95 years, treated for 3–7 months. Quality of life was not significantly affected, with the majority of patients recording a response between 0 and 2. Visual blurring was a more prominent feature, with the most common scores being 3 and 4. Stinging did not appear to be a prominent feature, with 0 as the most common response. Similarly, irritation was not a common finding, with most respondents scoring 0 and 1. Finally, the brinzolamide-timolol suspension compared favorably with previously used drops, with the vast majority of patients expressing a preference for this suspension over other topical medications.
Conclusion: Brinzolamide-timolol suspension appears to be a well tolerated and acceptable medication, with minimal effect on patient quality of life.

Keywords: intraocular pressure, glaucoma, quality of life, side effects