Antibiotics in irrigation solution for cataract surgery. A laboratory investigation of the pharmacological stability and bacteriological susceptibility.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the appropriateness of a prophylactic use of Gentamicin and Vancomycin in the irrigation solution for cataract surgery.


METHODS
A laboratory study of the pharmacological stability and the bacteriological susceptibility of the two antibiotics and epinephrine in the irrigation solution.


RESULTS
Gentamicin and Vancomycin are pharmacologically stable in concentrations above the MIC-values of most Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria without reaching toxic levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it seems tempting to add Gentamicin and Vancomycin in irrigation solutions for cataract surgery, major objections to such a prophylactic use of antibiotics have been stated, specially focusing on the risk of emerging resistance to the antibiotics, and the financial implications.
Storr-Paulsen
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark.
Holten-Andersen
W
W
Møller
K T
KT
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012996:Solutions; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D012996:Solutions; D014640:Vancomycin; D004837:Epinephrine