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Abstract #8933 Published in IGR 5-2
Pharmacokinetic profile of topical flunarizine in rabbit eye and plasma
Maltese A; Bucolo CJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2003; 19: 171-179
The purpose of this study was to determine the aqueous humor, cornea, iris ciliary body, retina and plasma levels and pharmacokinetics of a new topical formulation containing 0.05% flunarizine upon single-drop application. Albino rabbits were used and tissue samples were collected at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes after instillation. Drug concentrations in ocular tissues and plasma were measured by gas chromatography assay. After single-dose application, peak levels of drug were achieved at 15 minutes in the cornea and at 30 minutes in the aqueous humor, iris ciliary body, and retina. Unilateral topical flunarizine caused a significant reduction of intraocular pressure in rabbits. The pharmacokinetic profile showed a good ocular bioavailability of the drug, providing that the new topical formulation containing 0.05% flunarizine reaches the target tissues at effective concentrations, and therefore may be used in the treatment of glaucoma.
Dr. C. Bucolo, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Viale Andrea Doria 6, I 95125 Catania, Italy. bucocla@unict.it
Classification:
11.14 Investigational drugs; pharmacological experiments (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
