[Fixed combinations of glaucoma medications]

Fixed combinations represent a combination of two ocular hypotensive agents into one single ophthalmic solution. Current commercially available fixed combinations used in glaucoma treatment include Combigan, Cosopt, Xalcom, Duotrav and Ganfort. Statistically significant superiority of the ocular hipotensive efficacy of the fixed combinations vs monotherapy with the two individual constituents is present connected with Cosopt and Xalcom. It also exists vs timolol ophthalmic solution relative to Combigan, Duotrav and Ganfort but is missing within these fixed combinations vs brimonidine, travatan and bimatoprost respectively. A slight reduction, that is clinically and statistically insignificant relative to fixed combination efficacy vs the nonfixed combinations (e.g. concomitant but separate administration of the two individual components) is acceptable when this is balanced by potential benefits of the fixed combinations therapy (improved tolerability and convenience,increased compliance,cost and time economies,decreased washout effect and reduced exposure to preservatives).