Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate aqueous humor concentrations of gatifloxacin following intracameral injection with and without topical gatifloxacin (Zymar, Allergan) supplementation in rabbit eyes following cataract extraction. Methods:The intracameral injection was prepared by diluting intravenous gatifloxacin (Tequin, Bristol Squibb Myers) with balanced salt solution to a concentration of 1mg/ml. Twenty eyes of New Zealand white rabbits underwent lens extraction through a clear cornea incision by phacoemulsification. At the conclusion of the surgery 0.1 ml (100mcg) of intracameral gatifloxacin was injected into the anterior chamber of all rabbit eyes. In addition, half of the rabbits (10) received 2 drops of topical gatifloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution. The topical group then received 2 drops of gatifloxacin 0.3% four times a day postoperatively. Aqueous fluid was aspirated from the anterior chamber on an air cannula 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours following surgery and immediately stored at –70 degrees Centigrade. Aqueous humor gatifloxacin concentrations were then determined by using high–pressure liquid chromatography assays. Results: Gatifloxacin concentrations in mcg per ml at 2,6,12, and 24 hours following cataract extraction were 14.64 +/– 5.6, 1.54 +/– 1.47, 0.11 +/– 0, and 0 in the intracameral medication only group. In the topical gatifloxacin supplemented group aqueous humor gatifloxacin levels were 16.88+/– 22.74, 1.89+/– 0.57, 1.49 +/– 1.65, and 1.425 +/– 0.67. All rabbit corneas were clear at all time periods evaluated. Conclusions: Therapeutic levels of gatifloxacin were seen at 12 hours in the intracameral group and 24 hours in the intracameral group with topical gatifloxacin supplementation.
Keywords: antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics • clinical research methodology • pharmacology