Topical eyedrops

For example, PGF201 agonists such as latanaprost have been developed as eyedrops to reduce intraocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma. Topical instillation of these agonists is effective in lowering intraocular pressure and may be used as a first-line therapy for the treatment of glaucoma. 

Oils have been used as vehicles for several topical eyedrop products that are extremely sensitive to moisture. Tetracycline HC1 is an antibiotic that is stable for only a few days in aqueous solution. It is supplied as a 1% sterile suspension with Plastibase 50W and light liquid petrolatum. White petrolatum and its combination with liquid petrolatum to obtain a proper consistency is routinely used as the vehicle for ophthalmic ointments. 

Dorzolamide Hydrochloride is an inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase II. The inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye decreases the secretion of aqueous humor, with a resulting reduction in intraocular pressure. The drug is formulated as an ophthalmic solution, and administered topically as eyedrops. 

The rationale for introducing emulsions as a DDS for topical ocular application is their ability to incorporate within their oil inner phase lipophilic active molecules, which exhibit low water solubility and cannot be normally administered in an aqueous eyedrop formulation. Thus, the preferred emulsion for topical ocular application should be of the oil-in-water type formulation. 

Transcorneal iontophoresis of antibiotics for the treatment of corneal ulcers offers a potentially effective method of management. Numerous studies have demonstrated successful penetration of antibiotics into the anterior chamber after iontophoretic treatment, compared with topically eyedrop instillation of the drug [42,58,59,66,67], The efficacy of the treatment was investigated in rabbit eyes after intrastromal injection of Pseudomonas. Gentamicin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin iontophoresis resulted in significantly fewer bacterial colonies in the cornea compared with frequent eyedrops instillation [68-71],... 

Both our group [172] and Pate et al. [173] found that anandamide in nor-motensive rabbits, on topical application, reduces IOP. In the report by Pate et al. anandamide was dissolved in an aqueous solution of a cyclodextrin, single eyedrops were instilled in one of the eyes and the changes in IOP were compared to those of the untreated eye. Topical application of 31.25 fig caused an immediate reduction of IOP. A dose of 62.5 fig induced an initial increase and a subsequent decrease of IOP below baseline, while a dose of 125 fig caused a significant increase without the subsequent decrease of IOP. 

Abuse of topically administered drugs by practitioners or patients can cause significant ocular toxicity. Infiltrative keratitis has occurred from long-term use of anesthetic eyedrops for relief of pain associated with corneal abrasions. Bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts have developed after the topical administration of prednisolone acetate 0.12% twice daily over long durations. Practitioners should closely monitor patients treated with drugs known to have potentially significant ocular or systemic side effects. 

When the efficacy of sprays is compared with that of topically applied eyedrops, sprays provide both mydriasis... 

Brown MM, Brown GC, Spaeth GL. Lack of side effects from topically administered 10% phenylephrine eyedrops. Arch Ophthalmol 1980 98 487-488. 

Immediate treatment with topical fluoroquinolone eyedrops every 30-60 min, with cycloplegics two to three times a day for first day. Fluoroquinolone ointment at night. Patient followed on daily basis until epithelium healed, then taper therapy. 

Discontinuation of CL wear, application of unpreserved AT for comfort. More severe cases, consider use of topical steroid eyedrops four times a day until resolution of infQtrates, then taper. 

Baudouin C. Allergic reaction to topical eyedrops. Curr Opin AUerg CUn Immunol 2005 5 459-463-... 

Women who are taking or considering hormone replacement therapy should be informed of the potential increased risk of dry eye syndrome with this therapy. Women on oral contraceptives who complain of dry eye or in whom ocular surface disease is noted should be advised of the potential causative aspects of their medication. In either case, therapies for dry eye are usually based on topical administration of tear substitutes, lid treatments, environmental modification, and immunomodulatory agents for inflammatory-related ocular surfece disease. Hormone-based eyedrops are being studied with respect to targeting postmenopausal women with dry eye. 

Kachi S, Hirano K, Takesue Y, Miura M. Unusual corneal deposit after the topical use of cyclosporine as eyedrops. Am J Ophthalmol 2000 130(5) 667-9. 

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