[Efficacy and tolerability of apraclonidine (ALO 2145, 1%) in the prevention of early ocular hypertonia, after trabeculoretraction using argon laser and posterior capsulotomy using Nd:YAG laser]

Abstract

ALO 2145 (Apraclonidine Chlorhydrate)*, is a new hypotensive agent; it acts as a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist to produce a marked reduction in intraocular pressure with minimal effect on the cardiovascular system. 38 patients undergoing ocular laser surgery were allocated to treatment with either ALO 2145 1% (n = 20), or to placebo (n = 18), in a double-masked fashion. One drop of study medication was instilled into the operative eye one hour before laser surgery, and one drop immediately after the laser surgery. ALO 2145 treated eyes exhibited a significantly lower mean intraocular pressure increase in the immediate postoperative phase, compared with placebo treated eyes. ALO 2145 also significantly reduced the postoperative incidence of intraocular pressure spikes, defined as intraocular pressure increases of more than 10 mmHg over baseline (17% of cases for active treatment vs 60% of cases for placebo). ALO 2145 1% was shown to be effective and well tolerated in the dosage regimen employed in this study.