[Assessment of retention and drug-release of ophthalmic ointment on the ocular surface].
OBJECTIVE
The dynamics of ophthalmic ointment on the ocular surface were investigated using a fluorescent ointment.


METHODS
Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled. Ointment (1.0 cm length, 0.05 g) containing 0.1% flavin adenine dinucleotide sodium was squeezed out from the tube and placed in the left lower conjunctival sac. The eyes were then closed for 30 seconds and permitted to blink naturally. Two examinations including observation of tear film lipid layer interference pattern and fluorophotometric measurement of fluorescence intensity, both at the center of the cornea, were performed before examination and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30, 60 minutes after instillation.


RESULTS
In all cases, even 1 hour after instillation, tear film interference patterns were observed, and fluorescence intensity greater than before instillation, was present.


CONCLUSIONS
Ointment placed in the conjunctival sac is thought to remain and release agents on the ocular surface for at least one hour.
Takaoka
Maho
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Hirokoji-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi 602-0841, Japan.
Yokoi
Norihiko
N
Ishibashi
Takeshi
T
Kinoshita
Shigeru
S
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005182:Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009824:Ointments; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D005182:Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide