Quantification of sedimented triamcinolone for intravitreal injection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Intravitreal injections are crucial for treating various ocular diseases.
• Achieving optimal drug concentration is vital for therapeutic efficacy.
• Triamcinolone acetonide is a commonly used corticosteroid for intraocular inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a practical and efficient method for concentrating triamcinolone acetonide.
• To increase the concentration of triamcinolone acetonide for intravitreal administration.
• To establish a quantifiable protocol for enhancing drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• A sedimentation protocol was developed to increase triamcinolone acetonide concentration.
• Initial volumes (0.2-1 mL) were aspirated into syringes and sedimented vertically.
• Sedimentation times (0-120 minutes) and initial volumes were investigated.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified triamcinolone acetonide concentrations.

Main Results:

• Maximum triamcinolone acetonide concentration was achieved after 120 minutes of sedimentation.
• Initial volumes of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 mL yielded 7.4, 9.8, and 16.4 mg in 0.1 mL, respectively.
• An initial volume of 1.0 mL resulted in the highest concentration: 25.7 mg triamcinolone acetonide per 0.1 mL.

Conclusions:

• A simple sedimentation protocol can significantly increase triamcinolone acetonide concentration.
• The method allows for concentrations up to 25.7 mg/0.1 mL (257 mg/mL).
• This study provides a practical and quantifiable method for preparing concentrated triamcinolone acetonide for intravitreal injections.