Penetration of ciprofloxacin into the aqueous humour of the uninflamed human eye after oral administration

Abstract

One hundred and one patients received oral ciprofloxacin prior to elective cataract removal. The quinolone content of the aqueous humour ranged from 2.7% to 15.4% of the corresponding serum level. The mean aqueous peak exceeded 0.4 mg/l between 2 and 3.5 h after administration. The highest aqueous concentration was achieved with a 1 g dose. In uninflamed eyes oral ciprofloxacin achieved intraocular concentrations that are bactericidal for Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It may prove useful in the treatment of established intraocular infection and in prophylaxis prior to silastic implants.