Aims: To compare the efficacy and safety of Timolol maleate 0.5% and Brimonidine 0.2% in lowering IOP in cases of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Settings and Design: A single center randomized clinical trial was conducted in which the clinical outcome (efficacy) and safety profile of twice daily brimonidine tartarate 0.2% were compared with those of Timolol maleate 0.5% in patients with POAG for one year between November 2013 to October 2014. Materials and Method: Fifty patients were enrolled, twenty five in the Brimonidine group and twenty five in the Timolol group. Patients used drugs twice daily for five weeks, and were followed up at baseline visit and at weeks three and five. Clinical success meant reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP), Data about safety and adverse events were analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Student test. Results: Both drugs showed sustained ocular hypotensive efficacy in the study period of one year. At baseline the mean IOP was 24.34 ± 2.82 mm Hg in the timolol group and 24.16 ± 2.76 mm Hg in the brimonidine group. The IOP readings after treatment at 3rd and 5th week were significantly lower in both groups (P < 0.001) with no significant statistical difference between the two groups. 20% of the patients in Timolol group and 8% of patients in Brimonidine group, reported mild adverse events. Conclusions: Both the drugs have same efficacy and safety profile.

Keywords: Brimonidine; Glaucoma; Timolol.