The intravitreal penetration of ceftriaxone in man following systemic administration

Seventeen patients who underwent vitreal surgery received ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 1-2 g intramuscularly at various time intervals before surgery. Specimens of serum and vitreous were assayed for ceftriaxone concentrations both by bioassay and high pressure liquid chromatography. All patients had detectable vitreous (and serum) ceftriaxone concentrations at all time periods. Vitreous ceftriaxone levels at the first 4.5 hr following the administration of the antibiotic ranged from 1.4-19.4 micrograms/ml and averaged 5.9 micrograms/ml. At 12-13 hr following ceftriaxone administration vitreous concentrations were 11.5 (+/- 9.0) micrograms/ml. Ceftriaxone in intramuscular administration could be used as prophylaxis against ceftriaxone-susceptible microorganisms in vitreal surgery. Ceftriaxone is the first antibiotic for which reliable penetration into the vitreous is demonstrable following intramuscular administration.