Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of 0.005 % Glaumax and 0.005 % Xalatan

   PURPOSE. To compare hypotensive efficiency and safety of generic latanoprost 0.005 % (Glaumax, “KEVELT AS”, Estonia) and original latanoprost 0.005 % (Xalatan, “Pfizer Inc”, USA) in glaucoma patients.   METHODS.  The study included patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma or patients with primary open-angle glaucoma on carbonic anhydrase inhibitor monotherapy 4 days after cease of treatment (the “wash-out” period). Study patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients (30 eyes) with initial and advanced stages of newly diagnosed POAG and initial corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) of 25.15 ± 1.48 mm Hg. This group of patients was prescribed instillations of 0.005 % Glaumax eye drops 1 time per day. Group 2 also included 25 patients (30 eyes) with initial stage of newly diagnosed POAG and initial corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) of 25.08 ± 1.42 mm Hg. Group 2 patients were prescribed instillations of 0.005 % Xalatan eye drops 1 time per day. IOPcc was measured initially after the washout period, then  1 and 2 months after the start of the new therapy. Additionally,  all patients were assessed for tear film break up time (Norn’s test) at each follow-up point.   RESULTS.  After 1 month, IOPcc in groups 1 and 2 was 17.36 ± 1.39 and 18.09 ± 1.45 mm Hg, respectively; after 2 month, 17.87 ± 1.30 and 18.54 mm Hg, respectively. The Norn’s test results in groups 1 and 2 after 1 month were 8 (7; 9.75) and 8 (6; 9.75) seconds, after 2 months it was 8.5 (8; 9) and 8 (7; 10) seconds, respectively, which corresponded to the initial stage of the "dry eye" syndrome. No statistically significant intergroup differences were found in any of the cases.   CONCLUSION. Xalatan 0.005 and Glaumax 0.005 have comparable efficacy and tolerability, and both help achieve persistent stabilization of IOP. The option for a single-instillation regimen is convenient for the patients.