title: Pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of preservative-free intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.
abstract: Preservative-free formulations of triamcinolone acetonide have recently been introduced to the market over concerns of local toxicity of the vehicle and preservatives, including benzyl alcohol in the original formulation, which was not designed for intraocular use. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) are discussed. The therapeutic effects of IVTA include improvement of visual acuity and reduction of macular edema. However, ongoing treatment is usually required to maintain its effects. The efficacy of IVTA for both FDA-approved and 'off-labeled' indications is reviewed. Elevation of intraocular pressure and cataract formation are the two major side effects of IVTA; these are manageable but require close long-term follow-up. More studies are required to determine the optimal dosage and treatment frequency in different posterior segment disease.
authors.affiliation: Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School,Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2001, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Chih-Hung
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCluskey
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gillies
mesh_terms: D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000378:metabolism*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D014221:Triamcinolone; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide