Therapeutics News

Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc. is voluntarily recalling nine lots of carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% ophthalmic solution, 30 mL, at the consumer level, according to a company press release.

Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc. has acquired intellectual property, including a provisional patent application, related to an ophthalmic compound for intraoperative ocular injection of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents, according to a company press release.

The ongoing 5-year Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular Microorganisms, or ARMOR, pathogen surveillance study has shown that a number of isolates’ resistance to common ophthalmic antibiotics remains constant and high; though, presently, certain antibiotics are still effective.

The presence of benzalkonium chloride in eye drops, from over-the-counter dry eye remedies to glaucoma, allergy or antibiotic medications, historically has been a topic of controversy. Perhaps because of BAK’s reputation for corneal toxicity and savvy marketing, the 60-year-old ruling king of ophthalmic preservatives has often been villified and clearly needs to be better understood by clinicians.

Google “antibiotic resistance” and in a fraction of a second you will find more than 10 million results. Seriously. Everyone from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the World Health Organization to the evening news has something to say about antibiotic resistance. While you might expect a tremendous diversity of opinion on the subject, quite frankly there is really very little controversy. The message is clear: bugs are becoming more resistant, our antibiotics less effective and we just cannot seem to ebb the tide. Seriously.

Red eyes may have many possible etiologies, such as viral, bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis. However, it is important to consider sensitivity to benzalkonium chloride in patients who present with a viral-type infection with similar symptoms.

Drug-drug interaction arises when the effects of one drug are altered by another drug, leading to adverse drug reactions.

The NIH has funded a $12.7 million pilot project to test approved compounds for their effectiveness against previously unexplored diseases or conditions.

While statistics on consumer nutrient purchases are not necessarily in the realm of the eye care provider, it might be valuable information if you decide to make recommendations for supplements to your patients. Knowing what people’s attitudes are can give you some insight into the buying habits and their priorities, especially when it comes to health care decisions.

While statistics on consumer nutrient purchases are not necessarily in the realm of the eye care provider, it might be valuable information if you decide to make recommendations for supplements to your patients. Knowing what people’s attitudes are can give you some insight into the buying habits and their priorities, especially when it comes to health care decisions.