title: Systemic toxicity. Associated with topical ophthalmic medications.
abstract: Topically administered ophthalmic preparations can be associated with systemic adverse events if excessive absorption occurs. The nasolacrimal system can deliver eyedrops and ointments to the vascular nasal mucosae where the drugs are absorbed avoiding the first-pass effect and reaching sites of action with increased bioavailability. Topical ophthalmic eye-drop preparations most often involved include glaucoma medications, and diagnostic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. This article reviews reported systemic reactions and summarizes methods useful in preventing excessive absorption.
authors.affiliation: University of California San Francisco Medical Center.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Flach
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000287:Administration, Topical; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions