Systemic side effects of eye drops: a pharmacokinetic perspective

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Ophthalmic eye drops, despite correct application, pose risks of systemic absorption and bioavailability due to high active ingredient concentrations.
• Children are at higher risk for systemic side effects from eye drops because pediatric ocular dosing is not weight-adjusted and their physiology differs from adults.
• Limited literature exists on pediatric dosing for ophthalmic preparations, necessitating a review of potential systemic effects.

Approach:

• This review summarizes clinically relevant systemic side effects associated with ophthalmic eye treatments.
• It discusses general pharmacokinetic considerations for topical ocular drug delivery.
• The review analyzes the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of administering various drug classes via eye drops.

Key Points:

• Unwanted systemic bioavailability can occur even with correct eye drop application.
• Pediatric patients face elevated risks of systemic adverse events due to non-weight-adjusted dosing and developmental differences.
• Understanding drug pharmacokinetics is crucial for safe ophthalmic drug administration.

Conclusions:

• Systemic side effects are a significant concern in ophthalmic therapy, particularly for pediatric populations.
• Further research and clear guidelines on pediatric ocular dosing are needed to mitigate risks.
• This review provides essential information for clinicians managing patients undergoing ophthalmic treatments.