title: Ophthalmic preservatives: focus on polyquaternium-1.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ophthalmic preservatives, such as polyquaternium-1 (PQ-1), are critical for the inhibition of growth of microbial contaminants in multi-dose bottles of topical medications. These antimicrobial agents must have a high efficacy against pathogenic organisms, while maintaining a favorable tolerability and safety profile.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review focuses on the ophthalmic preservative PQ-1. For comparison purposes, the most commonly used preservative, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), is also discussed. This survey focuses primarily on data collected during the past 10 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective drug delivery requires more than just an active ingredient that achieves its desired biological effect on end-target tissues. In addition, drugs must be stable in the containers that they are stored in, and must possess minimal undesired local and systemic side effects that can cause patients to decrease their adherence. In addressing these concerns, specifically in topical ophthalmic drops, one must take into account the active ingredients, vehicle components and preservatives. Medications with fewer adverse effects may lead to enhanced adherence to therapy; therefore, the induction of such adverse outcomes must be considered by physicians when treating patients with chronic ocular disease. Although BAK will continue to be used in ophthalmic medications, due to its familiarity and compatibility with a broad range of topical ocular formulations, PQ-1 is certainly a viable alternative in the preservative formulary armamentarium.
authors: University of Genova, Dept Neuroscience Ophthal, Genova, Italy.
authors: Maurizio
authors: M
authors: Rolando
authors: Julie Y
authors: JY
authors: Crider
authors: Malik Y
authors: MY
authors: Kahook
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D004355:Drug Stability; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011108:Polymers; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; C058655:polyquaternium 1