Ofloxacin vs tobramycin for the treatment of external ocular infection. Ofloxacin Study Group II
A. Gwon
Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9534.
A multicenter, double-masked, randomized clinical investigation was
conducted comparing 0.3% ofloxacin and 0.3% tobramycin for topical
treatment of external ocular infection. One drop (1.35 micrograms) of
either test solution was instilled six times daily for 2 days and
thereafter four times daily for the next 8 days. At the day 3 to 5
follow-up examination, the severity of signs and symptoms based on a
clinical summary score of 10 key variables was reduced from baseline values
significantly (P less than .05) more with ofloxacin (-6.4 +/- 4.37; mean
+/- SD) than with tobramycin (-4.78 +/- 3.13); by day 11, the difference
between the groups was no longer significant. At days 3 to 5 and day 11
examinations, clinical, microbiologic, and overall improvement rates were
similar, with no significant differences seen between the groups. Ofloxacin
was found as effective, safe, and comfortable as tobramycin in patients
with external ocular infection and may provide earlier symptom relief.
