From the Guidelines
Fluoroquinolone and steroid eye drops commonly used in ophthalmology include combinations like Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone) and individual medications such as Ocuflox (ofloxacin), Vigamox (moxifloxacin), Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin), and Zymar (gatifloxacin) for fluoroquinolones, and Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate), FML (fluorometholone), and Lotemax (loteprednol) for steroids. These medications are typically prescribed for conditions like bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, post-surgical inflammation, and various inflammatory eye conditions.
Key Points
- Fluoroquinolones work by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, effectively treating bacterial infections, while steroids reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory mediators.
- Dosing varies by condition but generally involves 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) several times daily.
- It's essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed and be aware that prolonged steroid use can increase intraocular pressure and potentially lead to cataracts, as noted in studies 1.
Medication Options
- Tobradex (tobramycin and dexamethasone)
- Ocuflox (ofloxacin)
- Vigamox (moxifloxacin)
- Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin)
- Zymar (gatifloxacin)
- Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate)
- FML (fluorometholone)
- Lotemax (loteprednol) According to the most recent study 1, fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin 0.3%, ofloxacin 0.3%, and levofloxacin 1.5% have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of bacterial keratitis. Additionally, a study from 1 found that gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin have better coverage of gram-positive pathogens than earlier generation fluoroquinolones. However, it's crucial to consider the potential for increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones, as reported in 1, and to use these medications judiciously. In cases where steroid use is necessary, it's essential to monitor for potential side effects, such as increased intraocular pressure, as noted in 1.
From the Research
Gloroquinalon Eye Drops
- Ciprofloxacin 0.3% (Ciloxan) is a type of gloroquinalon eye drop used to treat bacterial corneal ulcers 2
- Ofloxacin 0.3% (Ocuflox) is another type of gloroquinalon eye drop used to treat external ocular infections 3, 4
- Levofloxacin 0.5% (Cravit, Quixin, Oftaquix) is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent used to treat external ocular infections and in prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis 5, 6
Steroid Eye Drops
- No specific steroid eye drops are mentioned in the provided studies, however, the studies focus on the use of gloroquinalon eye drops for treating bacterial infections and do not discuss steroid eye drops in detail
Key Findings
- Ciprofloxacin 0.3% and ofloxacin 0.3% are effective in reducing bacterial flora on the human conjunctiva 4
- Levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution is highly effective in treating common external infections of the eye and is non-inferior to moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 6
- The dosing schedule for ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin may vary depending on the treatment regimen and the severity of the infection 2, 3