A patient preference comparison of two fixed combinations, brinzolamide 10 mg/ml+timolol 5 mg/ml suspension and dorzolamide 20 mg/ml +timolol 5 mg/ml solution in patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Purpose To assess patient preference and comfort of Brinzolamide 10 mg/ml+Timolol 5 mg/ml Suspension (Brinz/Tim) compared to Dorzolamide 20 mg/ml+Timolol 5 mg/ml Solution (Dorz/Tim; COSOPT®) after topical ocular administration of a single drop. Methods This was a double‐masked, randomized, active‐controlled, cross‐over, multi‐center study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single drop in both eyes of either Brinz/Tim or Dorz/Tim on day 1 followed by a single drop of the other medication on day 2. Immediately after dosing, the patients completed an ocular discomfort assessment (on a scale of 0‐9; 0 = no discomfort; 9 = substantial discomfort). On day 2 the patients also responded to a preference question. Results Of the 129 patients enrolled, on day 1, 63 received Brinz/Tim and 66 received Dorz/Tim. Of these patients, 106 (82.2%) expressed a drop preference and met all inclusion/exclusion criteria (PP population). Brinz/Tim was preferred by 84 patients (79.2%) while 22 patients (20.8%) preferred Dorz/Tim (P < 0.0001). The mean discomfort scores (± SE) were 1.5 ± 0.2 for Brinz/Tim and 3.3 ± 0.2 for Dorz/Tim. Brinz/Tim was significantly more comfortable than Dorz/Tim (P < 0.05). Conclusion Brinz/Tim was preferred by more patients than Dorz/Tim. Patients also responded that Brinz/Tim was the more comfortable medication. This significant advantage in comfort may promote patients compliance with respect to the chronic use of their IOP‐lowering medication.Commercial interest