[Bioavailability of antiinflammatory drugs]

Bioavailability is one of the major factors for therapeutic efficacy. The bioavailability of antiinflammatory drugs depends on the status of the eye (degree of inflammation, vitrectomy, aphakia) and on the drug (route of administration, regimen, concentration and presentation). The bioavailability of steroid drops increases with acetate compounds, frequency of administration, concentration and contact time. Peribulbar injections provide a long-delivery system but with a significant systemic diffusion. Intravitreal steroids have only a local effect due to the very low doses injected. The bioavailability of non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs is variable, but their effects are similar. Antimetabolites such as 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin C have short half-lives, but mitomycin C must be rinsed after use due to its toxicity.