Dualux: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

A combination eye drop containing latanoprost and timolol for reducing intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Rx ATC: S01ED51 Prostaglandin + Beta-Blocker
Active Ingredients
Latanoprost + Timolol
Available Forms
Eye drops, solution (single-dose containers)
Strength
50 micrograms/mL + 5 mg/mL
Brand Names
Dualux

Dualux is a prescription combination eye drop that contains two active substances: latanoprost (a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue) and timolol (a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker). Together, these two agents work through complementary mechanisms to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the primary modifiable risk factor for glaucoma progression. Dualux is indicated for the reduction of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who require combination therapy because a single medication does not provide sufficient pressure lowering. The preservative-free single-dose formulation is designed to minimise ocular surface toxicity associated with long-term use.

Quick Facts

Active Ingredients
Latanoprost + Timolol
Drug Classes
Prostaglandin + Beta-Blocker
ATC Code
S01ED51
Common Uses
Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension
Available Forms
Eye Drops (Single-Dose)
Prescription Status
Rx Only

Key Takeaways

  • Dualux combines latanoprost (prostaglandin analogue) and timolol (beta-blocker) in a single preservative-free eye drop to lower elevated intraocular pressure more effectively than either agent alone.
  • Administered as one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, preferably in the evening, making it a convenient alternative to using two separate eye drop medications.
  • The timolol component can be absorbed systemically and is contraindicated in patients with asthma, severe COPD, certain heart conditions, or sinus bradycardia.
  • Common side effects include increased iris pigmentation (which may be permanent), eye irritation, red eyes, and changes in eyelash growth including increased length and darkening.
  • Available in preservative-free single-dose containers, reducing the risk of ocular surface damage associated with long-term use of preserved eye drops.

What Is Dualux and What Is It Used For?

Quick Answer: Dualux is a prescription combination eye drop containing latanoprost and timolol used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need combination therapy for adequate pressure control.

Dualux belongs to a class of combination ophthalmic medications that bring together two well-established pressure-lowering agents in a single formulation. The first component, latanoprost, is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue – one of the most widely prescribed classes of glaucoma medications worldwide. Latanoprost works primarily by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour (the clear fluid inside the eye) through the uveoscleral pathway, which is an alternative drainage route alongside the conventional trabecular meshwork pathway. This mechanism of action is distinct from most other glaucoma medications and allows for additive effects when combined.

The second component, timolol, is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. In the eye, timolol reduces the production of aqueous humour by blocking beta-receptors on the ciliary epithelium, thereby decreasing the rate at which fluid is produced. Beta-blockers have been a cornerstone of glaucoma therapy for decades and remain among the most commonly used agents for IOP reduction. The combination of these two mechanisms – enhanced outflow via latanoprost and reduced production via timolol – typically results in greater IOP reduction than either drug used alone.

Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies characterised by damage to the optic nerve and corresponding visual field loss. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally, affecting an estimated 80 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, typically develops gradually and is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Elevated intraocular pressure is the most significant modifiable risk factor, and reducing IOP has been shown in multiple large randomised controlled trials to slow or prevent disease progression.

Ocular hypertension refers to elevated IOP without detectable optic nerve damage or visual field loss. However, patients with ocular hypertension are at increased risk of developing glaucoma over time, and treatment to lower IOP may be recommended based on individual risk assessment. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) demonstrated that reducing IOP by approximately 20% significantly reduced the risk of conversion to glaucoma over a 5-year period.

Dualux is specifically indicated for patients who require combination therapy – that is, those whose IOP is not adequately controlled with a single agent (monotherapy). Clinical guidelines from the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend initiating treatment with monotherapy and escalating to combination therapy if target IOP is not achieved. Fixed-dose combinations like Dualux offer the advantage of simplified dosing (one drop instead of two separate medications), improved adherence, and reduced exposure to preservatives and other excipients.

What Should You Know Before Using Dualux?

Quick Answer: Before using Dualux, tell your doctor about any lung conditions (asthma, COPD), heart problems, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or allergies. Dualux contains timolol which can affect the heart, lungs, and blood sugar levels even when applied as eye drops.

Contraindications

Dualux must not be used by patients with certain medical conditions, primarily due to the systemic effects of the timolol component. Although timolol is administered topically to the eye, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream in sufficient quantities to cause systemic beta-blockade. The following conditions represent absolute contraindications to the use of Dualux:

The respiratory contraindication is particularly important. Even small amounts of systemically absorbed timolol can trigger severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma or reactive airway disease, which can be life-threatening. Cases of fatal asthma attacks have been reported with topical ophthalmic beta-blockers, including timolol. Patients with a history of mild or well-controlled asthma should still avoid this medication unless no suitable alternatives exist and the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Warnings and Precautions

Several important precautions apply to the use of Dualux. Patients should be aware of the following considerations and discuss them with their ophthalmologist or prescribing physician:

  • Cardiovascular effects: Timolol can reduce heart rate and blood pressure even when applied to the eye. Patients with cardiovascular disorders such as coronary heart disease, Prinzmetal angina, or congestive heart failure should be monitored carefully. Beta-blockers may mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperthyroidism.
  • Respiratory effects: Even in patients without a history of overt airway disease, timolol may rarely cause bronchospasm. Patients with mild or moderate COPD should use Dualux with caution and only when the potential benefit justifies the risk.
  • Iris pigmentation: Latanoprost may gradually increase the amount of brown pigment in the iris. This change may be permanent and is most noticeable in patients with mixed-colour irises. If only one eye is treated, a permanent difference in eye colour between the two eyes may develop. Patients should be informed of this possibility before starting treatment.
  • Eyelash and periorbital changes: Latanoprost can cause darkening, thickening, and lengthening of eyelashes, as well as darkening of the eyelid skin and increased growth of vellus hair around the treated eye.
  • Macular oedema: Prostaglandin analogues including latanoprost have been associated with macular oedema, particularly in aphakic patients (those without a natural lens), pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule, or patients with known risk factors for macular oedema. Caution is advised in these populations.
  • Inflammatory or neovascular glaucoma: There is limited experience with latanoprost/timolol in inflammatory (uveitic) glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma. These conditions may require different or additional treatment approaches.
  • Corneal conditions: Ophthalmic beta-blockers may induce dryness of the eyes. Patients with corneal diseases should be treated with caution.
  • Diabetes mellitus: Systemic beta-blockers can mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycaemia. Diabetic patients using Dualux should be aware that the timolol component may reduce awareness of low blood sugar levels.
  • Thyroid disorders: Beta-blockers may mask signs of hyperthyroidism, and abrupt withdrawal may precipitate a thyroid storm.
  • Anaesthesia: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform the anaesthetist that you are using ophthalmic beta-blockers, as interactions with general anaesthetic agents may occur.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The use of Dualux during pregnancy should be carefully considered, and the medication should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the combination of latanoprost and timolol in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies with latanoprost have shown embryotoxic effects at high doses, while timolol has been associated with developmental toxicity in animal studies at supraclinical exposures. Prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues are biologically active substances that may be absorbed through the skin, and women of childbearing age who handle these medications should exercise appropriate precautions.

Regarding breastfeeding, timolol has been detected in human breast milk following ophthalmic administration. It is not known whether latanoprost or its metabolites are excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants – particularly beta-blocker-related effects on the heart and lungs – a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If treatment with Dualux is considered essential, nasolacrimal occlusion (pressing on the inner corner of the eye) after administration can reduce systemic absorption and minimise exposure to the infant.

Contact Lens Use

Contact lenses should be removed before instilling Dualux and should not be reinserted for at least 15 minutes after administration. Although Dualux is available in preservative-free single-dose containers – which is generally better tolerated by contact lens wearers than preserved formulations – the active ingredients can still be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Patients who wear contact lenses should discuss the optimal timing of their eye drops with their ophthalmologist to ensure effective drug delivery while minimising any impact on their lenses.

How Does Dualux Interact with Other Drugs?

Quick Answer: Dualux can interact with oral beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, cardiac glycosides, and other antihypertensive medications. The timolol component may enhance the effects of other drugs that lower heart rate or blood pressure. Avoid using two different prostaglandin eye drops simultaneously.

Drug interactions with Dualux arise primarily from the systemic absorption of timolol. Although the dose delivered to the eye is small relative to oral beta-blocker therapy, sufficient amounts can be absorbed into the bloodstream to produce clinically meaningful interactions, particularly in elderly patients or those with compromised cardiovascular function. Latanoprost itself has relatively few systemic drug interactions because it acts locally within the eye and is rapidly metabolised.

The following table summarises the most clinically significant drug interactions. Patients should always inform their ophthalmologist and other healthcare providers about all medications they are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.

Major Interactions

Major Drug Interactions with Dualux
Interacting Drug/Class Effect Clinical Significance
Oral beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol) Additive reduction in heart rate and blood pressure; enhanced beta-blockade Monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely; risk of bradycardia and hypotension
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem) Additive negative chronotropic and inotropic effects Risk of AV conduction disturbances, bradycardia, and heart failure exacerbation
Cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin) Additive bradycardia and increased AV conduction time Monitor heart rate; dose adjustment may be needed
Adrenaline (epinephrine) Risk of mydriasis when used with ophthalmic beta-blockers Use combination with caution; monitor pupil response
Other prostaglandin analogues (e.g., travoprost, bimatoprost) Paradoxical increase in IOP has been reported Do not use two different prostaglandin eye drops concurrently

Minor Interactions

Minor Drug Interactions with Dualux
Interacting Drug/Class Effect Clinical Significance
CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine) May increase plasma levels of timolol Potentially enhanced systemic beta-blockade; usually clinically insignificant
Clonidine Additive blood pressure lowering; risk of rebound hypertension on clonidine withdrawal If both are used, discontinue timolol several days before withdrawing clonidine
NSAIDs (topical ophthalmic) No significant interaction with latanoprost; theoretical reduction in prostaglandin-mediated IOP lowering Generally safe; monitor IOP if used together
Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics Timolol may mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia (tachycardia, tremor) Diabetic patients should monitor blood glucose carefully
Important Note on Multiple Eye Drop Use

If you are using more than one topical ophthalmic medication, you should wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops. This interval allows each medication to be adequately absorbed and prevents one drop from washing out another. Dualux should preferably be administered last if used with other eye drops, as the latanoprost component benefits from prolonged contact time with the ocular surface.

What Is the Correct Dosage of Dualux?

Quick Answer: The recommended dose of Dualux is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, preferably in the evening. Do not exceed the recommended dose – more frequent use may reduce the IOP-lowering effect. Press gently on the inner corner of the eye after application to reduce systemic absorption.

Dualux is supplied as a preservative-free solution in single-dose containers. Each container provides sufficient volume for one application to both eyes. Once opened, a single-dose container should be used immediately and any remaining solution should be discarded, as preservative-free formulations do not contain antimicrobial agents to prevent contamination after opening.

Adults

Standard Adult Dose

One drop of Dualux (latanoprost 50 micrograms/mL + timolol 5 mg/mL) in the affected eye(s) once daily. The preferred time of administration is in the evening, as clinical studies have demonstrated that evening dosing with latanoprost produces optimal IOP reduction throughout the 24-hour period. More frequent administration is not recommended, as it has been shown to diminish the IOP-lowering effect of latanoprost.

How to Apply Eye Drops Correctly
  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the single-dose container.
  2. Twist off the tab from the single-dose container. Do not touch the tip of the container with your fingers or let it touch your eye.
  3. Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling.
  4. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  5. Hold the container over your eye and squeeze gently to release one drop into the pocket.
  6. Close your eye gently – do not blink or squeeze your eyelids.
  7. Press your finger gently against the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) for 1–2 minutes. This technique, called nasolacrimal occlusion, reduces systemic absorption and minimises side effects.
  8. If drops are needed in both eyes, repeat the procedure for the other eye.
  9. Discard the single-dose container after use, even if solution remains.

Children

Paediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of Dualux in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established. There are limited data on the use of latanoprost/timolol fixed combinations in the paediatric population. If treatment of childhood glaucoma is necessary, the prescribing ophthalmologist will make an individual risk-benefit assessment and closely monitor the patient. Timolol has been used in paediatric patients, but the risk of systemic beta-blockade is higher in children due to their lower body weight.

Elderly

Elderly Patients

No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. However, elderly individuals are more likely to have concomitant cardiovascular or respiratory conditions that may increase the risk of systemic side effects from timolol. Careful monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory function is recommended, particularly when initiating therapy. Elderly patients may also have reduced tear production, making them more susceptible to ocular surface irritation.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Dualux, apply it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular once-daily schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose, as exceeding the recommended frequency can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Overdose

Topical overdose with Dualux is unlikely to cause serious systemic toxicity in adults, although eye irritation and conjunctival hyperaemia may occur. If the solution is accidentally swallowed, the timolol component is the primary concern. Systemic symptoms of timolol overdose may include bradycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, cardiac arrest, and heart failure. Treatment of systemic overdose is supportive and symptomatic: intravenous atropine for bradycardia, a sympathomimetic agent such as isoprenaline for hypotension, and a bronchodilator such as salbutamol for bronchospasm. Dialysis is not expected to significantly remove timolol due to extensive tissue binding.

Important Dosing Reminders
  • Do not use Dualux more than once daily – more frequent use reduces effectiveness.
  • Always use nasolacrimal occlusion (press inner corner of eye) for 1–2 minutes after application.
  • Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drop medications.
  • Discard the single-dose container immediately after use.
  • Do not let the container tip touch the eye or any other surface.

What Are the Side Effects of Dualux?

Quick Answer: The most common side effects of Dualux are increased iris pigmentation (eye colour change), eye irritation, conjunctival hyperaemia (red eyes), and eyelash changes. Serious but less common effects relate to the timolol component and include bradycardia, bronchospasm, and hypotension. Report any breathing difficulties, unusual heartbeat, or vision changes to your doctor immediately.

Like all medicines, Dualux can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effect profile reflects contributions from both active components. Latanoprost-related side effects tend to be localised to the eye (pigmentation changes, eyelash growth), while timolol-related side effects may include both local and systemic reactions due to the potential for absorption into the bloodstream. The frequency categories below follow the standard classification used by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Very Common

May affect more than 1 in 10 people

  • Increased iris pigmentation (gradual darkening of eye colour, particularly in mixed-colour irises – may be permanent)

Common

May affect up to 1 in 10 people

  • Eye irritation (including stinging, burning, itching, and foreign body sensation)
  • Eye pain
  • Conjunctival hyperaemia (red eyes)
  • Eyelash changes (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of lashes)
  • Darkening of the eyelid skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Punctate keratitis (small spots on the cornea)

Uncommon

May affect up to 1 in 100 people

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Eyelid oedema (swelling)
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Dry eyes
  • Increased lacrimation (watering eyes)
  • Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins)
  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)
  • Corneal oedema
  • Skin rash

Rare

May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people

  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Bronchospasm (airway constriction, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions)
  • Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
  • Cystoid macular oedema (swelling in the central retina)
  • Iritis/uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
  • Depression
  • Alopecia (hair loss)
  • Chest pain
  • Heart failure exacerbation

Not Known

Frequency cannot be estimated from available data

  • Periorbital and eyelid changes causing deepening of the eyelid sulcus (sunken appearance around the eye)
  • Anaphylactic reactions (severe allergic reactions)
  • Angioedema (swelling of deeper skin layers)
  • Asthma exacerbation
  • Cardiac arrest
  • AV block
  • Cerebral ischaemia
  • Psoriasis exacerbation
  • Raynaud phenomenon
  • Tinnitus

The long-term safety of the latanoprost/timolol combination has been well studied, with clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance extending over many years. Most ocular side effects are mild and well tolerated. The iris pigmentation change caused by latanoprost is gradual and may take months or years to become noticeable. It is important to attend regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist to monitor both the effectiveness of treatment and any emerging side effects.

How Should You Store Dualux?

Quick Answer: Store unopened Dualux in the refrigerator (2–8°C). The unopened foil pouches may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 4 weeks. Once a single-dose container is opened, use it immediately and discard any remaining solution.

Proper storage of Dualux is essential to maintain the stability and sterility of the preservative-free formulation. The following storage guidelines should be observed:

  • Unopened foil pouches: Store in the original packaging in a refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Protect from light. The foil pouch protects the single-dose containers from light exposure, which can degrade latanoprost.
  • Room temperature storage: Unopened foil pouches may be stored at temperatures up to 25°C (77°F) for a maximum of 4 weeks. This allows for convenient transport and short-term storage outside the refrigerator, for example during travel.
  • After opening the foil pouch: Individual single-dose containers removed from the foil pouch should be stored in the original pouch, away from light, and used within 7 days of first opening the pouch.
  • After opening a single-dose container: Use immediately. The preservative-free solution does not contain antimicrobial agents, so any remaining solution must be discarded after use. Do not save an opened container for later use.
  • General precautions: Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not freeze.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures help to protect the environment.

What Does Dualux Contain?

Quick Answer: Each millilitre of Dualux solution contains latanoprost 50 micrograms and timolol 5 mg (as timolol maleate). The preservative-free single-dose formulation uses a simple excipient base including sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate, and water for injections.

Active Ingredients

Dualux contains two pharmacologically active substances that work through different and complementary mechanisms to reduce intraocular pressure:

  • Latanoprost 50 micrograms/mL – A prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue. Latanoprost is an isopropyl ester prodrug that is hydrolysed by esterases in the cornea to the biologically active acid form. It reduces IOP primarily by increasing uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour. Latanoprost was the first prostaglandin analogue approved for glaucoma and has been one of the most widely prescribed IOP-lowering agents worldwide since its introduction.
  • Timolol 5 mg/mL (as timolol maleate) – A non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Timolol reduces aqueous humour production by blocking beta-2 receptors on the ciliary epithelium. It has been a standard of care in glaucoma treatment since the late 1970s and reduces IOP by approximately 20–25% from baseline.

Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)

The preservative-free formulation of Dualux uses a minimal excipient base to maintain solution stability and physiological compatibility:

  • Sodium chloride – used to adjust tonicity (osmolarity) to match that of tears
  • Sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate – pH buffer
  • Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate – pH buffer
  • Water for injections – vehicle
  • Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide – for pH adjustment
Preservative-Free Advantage

Dualux is supplied in preservative-free single-dose containers. This is clinically significant because preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), commonly found in multi-dose eye drop bottles, have been associated with ocular surface toxicity, including damage to corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, disruption of the tear film, and worsening of dry eye symptoms. Long-term glaucoma patients who use multiple preserved eye drops are particularly vulnerable to preservative-induced damage. The preservative-free formulation of Dualux is therefore particularly suitable for patients with ocular surface disease, dry eye syndrome, or those requiring long-term combination therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the latanoprost component in Dualux can cause a gradual increase in brown pigmentation of the iris that may be permanent. This effect is caused by increased melanin production in the stromal melanocytes of the iris and occurs most often in patients with mixed-colour irises (blue-brown, grey-brown, green-brown, or yellow-brown). The change typically develops slowly over months to years of treatment. If only one eye is being treated, a permanent difference in eye colour between the two eyes may result. Your ophthalmologist should examine your eyes regularly and document any changes in iris colour. Importantly, this pigmentation change does not indicate any harmful process and has no known effect on visual function.

Evening dosing is recommended because clinical studies have shown that latanoprost produces its optimal IOP-lowering effect when administered in the evening. Intraocular pressure naturally follows a circadian rhythm, typically being highest in the early morning hours. Evening administration of latanoprost allows the drug to achieve peak activity during this critical period of elevated pressure. Additionally, any temporary blurring of vision that may occur immediately after applying the drops is less likely to interfere with daily activities when the drops are given at bedtime.

If you accidentally apply more than one drop in an eye, the main risk is temporary increased eye irritation and redness. Rinse the affected eye with clean water or saline if possible. If you have accidentally swallowed the eye drops, the timolol component is the primary concern. Systemic effects may include a slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, and breathing difficulties. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these symptoms after accidental ingestion. For routine use, remember that using Dualux more frequently than once daily can actually reduce its effectiveness in lowering IOP, so always stick to the recommended once-daily schedule.

No, Dualux is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma or a history of bronchial asthma. The timolol component is a beta-blocker that, even when applied topically to the eye, can be absorbed into the bloodstream in sufficient amounts to trigger severe bronchospasm. Fatal asthma attacks have been reported with ophthalmic beta-blockers. If you have asthma and need treatment for glaucoma or ocular hypertension, your ophthalmologist can prescribe alternative medications that do not contain a beta-blocker, such as a prostaglandin analogue alone, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, or an alpha-agonist.

Dualux begins to lower intraocular pressure within hours of the first dose. The timolol component typically starts to reduce IOP within 30 minutes to 2 hours, with peak effect at approximately 2 hours. The latanoprost component reaches its maximum IOP-lowering effect within 8 to 12 hours. However, the full therapeutic benefit of Dualux may take several days to weeks to stabilise. Your ophthalmologist will typically check your IOP 2 to 4 weeks after starting treatment to assess the response and determine whether the target pressure has been achieved.

Dualux contains the same active ingredients (latanoprost 50 micrograms/mL and timolol 5 mg/mL) as other branded latanoprost/timolol combinations such as Xalacom. The key difference is that Dualux is formulated as a preservative-free solution in single-dose containers, whereas many other products contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a preservative in multi-dose bottles. The preservative-free formulation may be better tolerated for long-term use, particularly in patients with ocular surface disease or dry eye. The therapeutic effect on IOP is expected to be equivalent. Your ophthalmologist can advise on whether a preservative-free formulation is preferable for your individual situation.

References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Latanoprost/Timolol – Summary of Product Characteristics. Last updated 2025. Available at: EMA.
  2. European Glaucoma Society (EGS). Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, 5th Edition. PubliComm, Savona, Italy. 2021.
  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Preferred Practice Pattern: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. 2025.
  4. Heijl A, Leske MC, Bengtsson B, et al. Reduction of Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma Progression: Results From the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002;120(10):1268–1279. doi:10.1001/archopht.120.10.1268.
  5. Kass MA, Heuer DK, Higginbotham EJ, et al. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: A Randomized Trial Determines That Topical Ocular Hypotensive Medication Delays or Prevents the Onset of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002;120(6):701–713. doi:10.1001/archopht.120.6.701.
  6. Konstas AG, Maskaleris G, Gratsonidis S, Sardelli C. Compliance and Viewpoint of Glaucoma Patients in Greece. Eye. 2000;14(Pt 5):752–756.
  7. Jaenen N, Baudouin C, Pouliquen P, et al. Ocular Symptoms and Signs with Preserved and Preservative-Free Glaucoma Medications. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2007;17(3):341–349.
  8. Baudouin C, Labbé A, Liang H, et al. Preservatives in Eyedrops: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2010;29(4):312–334. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2010.03.001.
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). World Report on Vision. 2019. Available at: WHO World Report on Vision.
  10. British National Formulary (BNF). Latanoprost with Timolol. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 2025.

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