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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:02
Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
Published on: July 23, 2016
[Biphosphonates and intraocular inflammation]
V M Asensio Sánchez1, G Botella Oltra, E Carrasco
1Hospital General, Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Spain.
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|February 28, 2004
Summary
Oral alendronate, a bisphosphonate medication, can trigger severe eye inflammation, including panuveitis and anterior uveitis. Discontinuation of alendronate is necessary to resolve these ocular inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate, are commonly prescribed for osteoporosis.
- Intraocular inflammation is a potential, though rare, side effect of various medications.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old woman developed bilateral uveitis (panuveitis in the right eye, anterior uveitis in the left) while on weekly oral alendronate therapy.
- The ocular inflammation resolved after discontinuing alendronate and initiating steroid treatment.
- Symptoms recurred upon reintroduction of alendronate, suggesting a causal link.
Findings:
- Alendronate can induce intraocular inflammation, manifesting as panuveitis and anterior uveitis.
- The inflammatory process is reversible upon medication withdrawal.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider alendronate-induced uveitis in patients presenting with unexplained intraocular inflammation.
- Discontinuation of alendronate may be required for managing bisphosphonate-associated ocular side effects.
- Further research may explore the mechanisms underlying bisphosphonate-induced ocular inflammation.
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