Eye Disease News:

Drug Lowers Intra-Ocular Pressure in Patients With Open-Angle Glaucoma

Long-term treatment with Xalatan® (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) effectively lowers intra-ocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, according to researchers at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden.

Xalatan is the only prostaglandin analogue used in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma with five-year effectiveness and safety data to support its use over the long term.

The drug is a modification of a naturally occurring substance present in various forms throughout the body. In the eye, prostaglandins appear to reduce intra-ocular pressure by increasing draining of aqueous humor, the clear, watery fluid in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.

Researchers conducted a five-year study of 519 patients with open-angle glaucoma and uncontrolled intra-ocular pressure, despite previous treatment. Their objective was to test the long-term effectiveness and safety of the drug.

Side effects included increased pigmentation of the iris, a side effect seen with all ophthalmic prostaglandin therapies, especially in patients with green-brown, yellow-brown or blue-gray/brown eyes. The color changes can be permanent. The drug can also darken eyelids, increase the growth of eyelashes, cause eye irritation and eyelid redness.

Source: Medical Week staff, week of May 12, 2002