Ophthalmic prostaglandin analogs revisited - A systematic review of commonly used formulations

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the randomized control trials (RCTs) of the various prostaglandin(PG) analogues, comparing the effectiveness in treating glaucomas, safety and adverse effects of the individual agents. Methods: Articles were searchedusing the following key words “PG analogues”, “Latanoprost”, “ Bimatoprost”, “Travoprost”, “ Tafluprost”, “Unoprostone”, “ophthalmology”, “randomized controlled trial”, either singly or variably combined. Databases searched included Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Science direct. The search strategy was to identify randomized control trials (RCTs), either singly or variably combined. Results: 24 Randomised control trials that had evaluated the efficacy and adverse effects of different PG analogue agents were selected and were used in this review Average JADAD value of the researches was found to be 2.83. Bimatoprost was found to be the most effective agent in IOP lowering efficacy but it had the maximal incidence of local adverse effects. Latanoprost, Travoprost and Tafluprost had similar efficacy. Latanoprost had the best tolerability. Unoprostone had weaker antiglaucoma action, compared to the other agents. Conclusions: Bimatoprost is probably one of the best antiglaucoma medications available at present. Its tolerability could be improved by using preservative free formulations. Latanoprost is a well tolerated agent with reasonably good antiglaucoma action.