PURPOSE

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction over 24 h achieved with tafluprost (0.0015%) with that achieved with latanoprost (0.005%).

METHODS

Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were studied. After a 24-h IOP baseline measurement was taken, one ophthalmic solution was applied to the right eye daily for 7 days. The drug was then withdrawn for 2 weeks. The other agent was then applied to the left eye in the same manner. IOP was measured every 3 h for 24 h on the seventh day of treatment.

RESULTS

The 24-h IOP after 7 days' treatment with latanoprost decreased from 11.5 mmHg at baseline to 9.7 mmHg (-1.8 mmHg) and that with tafluprost from 11.8 to 9.8 mmHg (-1.9 mmHg). Tafluprost was statistically more effective after 24 h (P = 0.007; paired t test). The number of subjects with a 24-h mean IOP reduction of <10% was 8/27 (29.6%) with latanoprost versus 4/27 (14.8%) with tafluprost. The incidence of conjunctival hyperemia with latanoprost was 4/27 (14.8%) and that with tafluprost was 8/27 (29.6%).

CONCLUSION

The overall efficacies of the two agents were not different, but tafluprost was associated with a greater reduction in IOP at 24 h after administration. Tafluprost showed a higher rate of conjunctival hyperemia.