title: Corneal tissue levels of topically applied ofloxacin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the levels of ofloxacin (Ocuflox) in human corneal tissue in patients exposed to various dosing regimens and application methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Corneal Consultants of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty patients meeting inclusion criteria were recruited from persons scheduled to have penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Patients were placed into one of two study groups of 20 each based on dosing regimen and application method. The SAS GLM (General Linear Models) procedure was used to test for differences in mean Ocuflox tissue concentration among study groups and for interaction effects of preoperative diagnosis, trephine size, dosing regimen, and corneal integrity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Corneal tissue concentrations of Ocuflox were elevated significantly by varying drug application methods and dosing schedules before PKP. Eyes receiving medication every 15 minutes for 4 hours had significantly higher levels of Ocuflox than those receiving the drug in six doses over 24 hours before surgery. Ocuflox concentrations exceeded the MIC90 (minimum inhibitory concentration) for key ocular pathogens in essentially all cornea specimens studied.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ocuflox penetration was improved by administering it in a controlled setting at 15 minute intervals over 4 hours. The drug provided high tissue levels in both the cornea and aqueous humor, which together with its broad range of antibacterial coverage, should make it a good choice for prophylactic treatment.
authors.affiliation: Corneal Consultants of Indiana, Indianapolis, USA.
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Whitson
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gonzales
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Johns
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D015242:Ofloxacin