ABSTRACT
The ophthalmic rod (OR) is a new drug delivery system, intended as an alternative to conventional therapy in ophthalmology. The rod is made of a nontoxic plastic. It is dipped into a drug solution which after drying forms a thin homogeneous coating. The OR is then packed and sterilized by gamma radiation. The effects of radiation on the contents of the drugs were studied using IR, UV, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Sterility, dose variation, and simulated drug delivery in vitro were tested. Pure drugs were used; no preservatives were included. To deliver the drug, the tip of the rod is introduced into the conjunctival sac and rubbed against the palpebral conjunctiva of the lower lid. ORs with tropicamide, oxybuprocaine HCl, pilocarpine HCl, and fluorescein sodium were used. The behavior of the drugs administered by this system was compared with eyedrops. Results of trials with three drugs, i.e., tropicamide, oxybuprocaine HCl, and fluorescein sodium on ORs applied to the eyes of humans and those of the rabbit are discussed.
Subject(s)
Conjunctiva/drug effects , Fluoresceins/administration & dosage , Pilocarpine/administration & dosage , Procaine/analogs & derivatives , Pyridines/administration & dosage , Tropicamide/administration & dosage , Administration, Topical , Adult , Anesthesia, Local , Animals , Cornea/drug effects , Female , Fluorescein , Fluoresceins/radiation effects , Gamma Rays , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilocarpine/radiation effects , Plastics , Procaine/administration & dosage , Procaine/radiation effects , Pupil/drug effects , Rabbits , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Sterilization , Tropicamide/radiation effectsABSTRACT
The ophthalmic rod (OR) is a new ophthalmic drug-delivery system. The rod is made of nontoxic plastic. The active substance is deposited as a thin film on the end of the rod. To deliver the drug, the tip of the rod is introduced into the conjunctival sac and rubbed against the palpebral conjunctiva of the lower lid. The OR is a single-dose sterile applicator. By using the OR the problems of preservation and sterility of eyedrops are eliminated, and the risk of cross-infection is avoided. This was an open uncontrolled study. Clonidine ORs were used by 15 patients with glaucoma for 12 days. Fluorescein ORs were used for tonometry and to check the safetness of using the ORs. Patients with dry eyes or scotoma were excluded from the study. The clonidine film remaining on the ORs after delivery was quantitatively analyzed. A dose of 20 micrograms clonidine rod, three ORs/day, was sufficient to keep the ocular pressure under control. The fluorescin ORs, 30 micrograms/rod, were satisfactory for coloring the cornea. On the last day (12th) no clinically apparent side effects were observed. Subjectively, the patients were satisfied with the OR method of application, as an alternative to eyedrops.
Subject(s)
Clonidine/administration & dosage , Glaucoma, Open-Angle/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Clinical Trials as Topic , Clonidine/therapeutic use , Conjunctiva/drug effects , Female , Fluorescein , Fluoresceins/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Plastics , Safety , Tonometry, OcularABSTRACT
This is a report of two patients suspected of having allergic dermato-conjunctivitis due to corticosteroids. Both were tested with the constituents of the ointments they were using, that is, corticosteroids, antibacterial agents, preservatives, and other active ingredients of the ointment bases. Both patients showed positive allergic patch test reactions to the respective corticosteroid betamethasone valerate, and one to hydrocortisone, neomycin, and a rubber additive. The importance of routine patch testing in ophthalmic practice to detect sensitizers in cases of allergy is mentioned. Hydrocortisone (25%) in petrolatum is recommended for patch testing.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/adverse effects , Conjunctivitis/etiology , Dermatitis, Contact/etiology , Administration, Topical , Aged , Dermatitis, Atopic/etiology , Female , Folliculitis/drug therapy , Glucocorticoids , Humans , Hydrocortisone , Male , Middle Aged , Neomycin/adverse effects , Patch Tests , Rubber/adverse effects , Skin Ulcer/drug therapyABSTRACT
A patient with chronic open-angle glaucoma was suspected of having allergic dermatitis and conjunctivitis to epinephrine. He was tested with epinephrine and other active substances, the preservatives and antioxidants usually used in the preparation of eye drops. He was also tested with other possible contactants with which he had had contact. The patient showed positive allergic patch test reactions to the chloride solution of epinephrine. The patient showed an unexpected positive reaction when tested with di-isopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). The importance of routine patch testing in ophthalmic practice to detect sensitizers in cases of contact allergy is stressed.