Ocular tolerance of preservatives and alternatives.
Eye drops are multiple dosage forms protected against microbial contamination by means of preservatives. However, the ocular tolerance of these chemicals can vary and this may result in adverse toxic or allergic reactions. This overview presents the pharmacopoeial requirements for the preservation of eye drops, the factors affecting ocular tolerance as well as the adverse external ocular effects induced by preservatives. The alternatives to the use of preservatives are also discussed, including the recent progress in eye drops packaging.
Furrer
Pascal
P
School of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical Chemistry, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mayer
Joachim M
JM
Gurny
Robert
R
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D018639:Contact Lens Solutions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*
D018639:Contact Lens Solutions; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical