After instillation of (3)H-DFBA ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% in rabbit eyes, radioactivity was distributed at the anterior segment and cleared rapidly. Some radioactivity was detected in the posterior retina/choroid, suggesting that difluprednate and its metabolites reach these tissues. These results suggest that difluprednate delivered as a topical ophthalmic emulsion reached the anterior and posterior segments of the eye quickly and may be a potential treatment for ocular inflammation in these areas.

Pharmacokinetic modeling, based upon samples collected over 240 min after a single dose of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution 0.1% suggests that aqueous-humor concentrations remain at clinically effective levels (above its IC(50) value for COX-2) for over 12 h. Based upon this rationale, these results supported clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy of twice-daily dosing of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution 0.1% to manage patients with postoperative ocular pain and inflammation.

Immediate postoperative prophylaxis would likely be effective in reducing the risk of enterococcal endophthalmitis by topical gatifloxacin.

The 0.05% DFBA ophthalmic emulsion appears to be an effective and safe anti-inflammatory treatment in ocular tissues. It is comparable, and possibly even superior, to the 0.1% BMP solution, and may be particularly useful in cases of severe disease where treatment with BMP solution alone is insufficient.

No abstract