Efficacy of Two Triamcinolone Acetonide Preparations for Intravitreal Injections

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal injection of 20 mg/0.1 ml has become increasingly popular for the treatment of cystoid macular oedema in ocular desorders. Two different preparations have been described: (a)after sedimentation or (b)after microfiltration and excipient removal. The aim of this study was to compare dosage reproductibility and predictability of these preparations. Methods: Commercially available Triamcinolone acetonide ( KENACORT 80 mg/2 ml) was process according the 2 different preparation guidelines and 0.1 ml concentrate was transfered in a 1 ml sterile tuberculin syringue prior an ocular injection. Dosage of triamcinolone were assessed quantitatively by weighing crystals after filtration on membrane filter and incubator drying. Each preparations had been tested on 5 samples. Results: Preparation (a) allows a mean recovery of 18 mg of triamcinolone with individual values between 8 to 26 mg. Preparation(b) allows mean recovery of 17 mg of triamcinolone with individual values between 11 to 25 mg. There was no significant difference in the means and standard deviations of these two preparations. Conclusions: The two preparations were equivalent in terms of recovery and range of triamcinolone quantities but the large range of the values observed was incompatible with a good pharmaceuticals practices and could explain misinterpretations in clinical studies. The development of a more adapted preparation should be the next step of the triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal use.

Keywords: pharmacology • drug toxicity/drug effects • vitreous