Ciprofloxacin microprecipitates and macroprecipitates in the human corneal epithelium

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001 Oct;27(10):1701-2. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(01)00893-8.

Abstract

In 4 corneal transplantation patients treated preoperatively with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops, microprecipitates associated with damaged corneal epithelium were noted in 2 patients. Another patient developed a large macroprecipitate in a corneal ulcer. All specimens were examined by electron microscopy and high-pressure liquid chromatography. The crystalline precipitates were pure ciprofloxacin. The macroprecipitate demonstrated a large zone of inhibition on agar plates seeded with a susceptible organism at 24 and 48 hours. It was bioactive and bioavailable in vitro.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis*
  • Chemical Precipitation
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Ciprofloxacin / adverse effects*
  • Corneal Transplantation
  • Corneal Ulcer / chemically induced*
  • Corneal Ulcer / pathology
  • Epithelium, Corneal / drug effects*
  • Epithelium, Corneal / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Ophthalmic Solutions

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Ciprofloxacin