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Corneal toxicity of propamidine
K J Johns1, W S Head, D M O'Day
1Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|January 1, 1988
Abstract:
Two patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis developed a corneal abnormality following prolonged treatment with topical 0.1% [corrected] propamidine isethionate. In both instances, withdrawal of drug therapy resulted in a gradual clearing of the keratopathy, with no permanent sequelae. The changes we observed may be confused with those of active Acanthamoeba infection.
Insights
Prolonged use of propamidine isethionate for Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause corneal abnormalities. Stopping the drug led to recovery, suggesting these changes mimic active infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious eye infection.
- Propamidine isethionate is a topical treatment used for this condition.
Observation:
- Two patients receiving prolonged 0.1% propamidine isethionate treatment developed corneal abnormalities.
- These changes were not associated with active Acanthamoeba infection.
Findings:
- Corneal abnormalities resolved gradually after discontinuing propamidine isethionate.
- No permanent damage was observed in the patients' corneas.
Implications:
- The observed corneal changes can be mistaken for active Acanthamoeba keratitis.
- Clinicians should consider drug-induced keratopathy when evaluating patients on prolonged propamidine isethionate therapy.