Successful treatment of blepharitis with bibrocathol (Posiformin® 2 %)

Abstract

BackgroundBibrocathol is a well-established antiseptic drug for the treatment of acute eyelid diseases like blepharitis. Despite its frequent use in clinical practice, no controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of bibrocathol 2% eye ointment has been performed until now. The aim of the study was to investigate efficacy, safety and tolerability of bibrocathol (Posiformin® 2 %) eye ointment in patients diagnosed with blepharitis.MethodsIn this multi-center, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparison, the change of signs and symptoms (sum score) of blepharitis in 197 patients (ITT (intention-to-treat-group); mean age 56 ± 18 years, 56 % female, active drug:vehicle = 97:100) over 2 weeks treatment with bibrocathol 2 % eye ointment was evaluated.ResultsPatients receiving bibrocathol 2 % showed greater improvement in the sum score than the placebo patients (p < 0.0001, Cohen’s effect size d = 0.73). Also, the results from further efficacy assessments improvement of single symptoms and ocular discomfort measured by a VAS (visual analogue scale) supported treatment with bibrocathol. Patients and investigators provided favorable tolerability ratings preferring bibrocathol over placebo. No safety issues were observed with regard to intraocular pressure, visual acuity, or occurrence of adverse events.ConclusionsBlepharitis therapy with the antiseptic bibrocathol 2 % in this trial was highly efficacious and safe.

Hydrocortisone concentration influences time to clinically significant healing of acute inflammation of the ocular surface and adnexa – results from a double-blind randomized controlled trial

“…Treatment of blepharitis, on the contrary, relies on eyelid hygiene, gentle lid massage, and warm compresses. Recently, the authors demonstrated the effectiveness of the antiseptic bibrocathol for the treatment of blepharitis [ 9 ]. Topical antibiotics might be used in patients who do not respond to eyelid hygiene and, in severe cases, oral antibiotics and topical steroids may also be beneficial [ 8 ].…”

Triple helix and rod structures of the antiseptic drug bibrocathol revealed by electron crystallography

“…Bismuth tetrabromocatechol, also known as bibrocathol, is the active ingredient of over-the-counter topical ointments sold under brand names such as Noviform® and Posiformin®, and is commonly used to treat eyelid infections and inflammations such as blepharitis. 21,22 It is a crystalline substance, however no crystal structure has previously been reported. Please do not adjust margins Please do not adjust margins…”