Source: Helicobacter  |  Posted 11 years ago

Systemic side effects were observed in over half of the patients given brimonidine as an ocular hypotensive agent, according to French researchers.

Investigators administered brimonidine either in monotherapy or in combination with another drug for a mean follow-up period of 4.5 ? 3.4 months. Beta-blocking agents were the most common second drugs to be administered.

All patients were 65.2 ? 13.8 years old and had been diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Primary open angle glaucoma was present in 113 out of the 128 patients.

Side-effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, general uneasiness and mouth dryness were seen in 51.6 percent of the patients. These side effects were significantly more frequent in patients older than 60 years.

Treatment with brimonidine was stopped because of systemic intolerance in 21 patients and because of allergic blepharo-conjunctivitis in 12 patients.

In 42 patients, there was no significant reduction in intraocular pressure and treatment was discontinued.

While brimonidine proved an efficient ocular hypotensive and ocular tolerance was satisfactory, "its systemic tolerance appeared to be less favorable than previously reported," the investigators conclude.