Ocular penetration of topically applied gentamicin
B. Ellerhost, B. Golden and N. Jarudi
The biologically available concentration of gentamicine sulfate in eight
ocular tissues of 140 rabbits and 96 humans was measured by a modified disc
diffusion technique. If enough topically administered gentamicine was
applied, this bioassay detected it in all ocular tissues tested except the
lens nucleus. The decay of antibiotic activity was faster in some tissues,
eg, aqueous, than in others. A higher level of antibiotic was found in
corneas altered by sutures than in virgin tissue. The degree of
inflammation, the frequency of application, and the interval between the
drops are directly proportional to the antibiotic level in the tissues.
The antibiotic free vehicle of commercial 0.3 per cent gentamicin drops
possesses an antibacterial potential.
