The ophthalmic rod--a new drug-delivery system II.

The ophthalmic rod (OR) is a new ophthalmic drug-delivery system. The rod is made of nontoxic plastic. The active substance is deposited as a thin film on the end of the rod. To deliver the drug, the tip of the rod is introduced into the conjunctival sac and rubbed against the palpebral conjunctiva of the lower lid. The OR is a single-dose sterile applicator. By using the OR the problems of preservation and sterility of eyedrops are eliminated, and the risk of cross-infection is avoided. This was an open uncontrolled study. Clonidine ORs were used by 15 patients with glaucoma for 12 days. Fluorescein ORs were used for tonometry and to check the safetness of using the ORs. Patients with dry eyes or scotoma were excluded from the study. The clonidine film remaining on the ORs after delivery was quantitatively analyzed. A dose of 20 micrograms clonidine rod, three ORs/day, was sufficient to keep the ocular pressure under control. The fluorescin ORs, 30 micrograms/rod, were satisfactory for coloring the cornea. On the last day (12th) no clinically apparent side effects were observed. Subjectively, the patients were satisfied with the OR method of application, as an alternative to eyedrops.