Retinal toxicity of intravitreal cefoperazone

Cefoperazone is a broad spectrum, third-generation cephalosporin with potential usefulness in treating endophthalmitis because of its in vitro activity against Gram-negative organisms. Retinal toxicity was evaluated via serial indirect ophthalmoscopy, electrophysiologic testing and histopathologic examination of 43 Dutch-belted rabbit eyes injected intravitreally with 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 mg of cefoperazone in a volume of 0.1 cc each. They were compared with seven eyes injected with sterile saline. Results show electroretinographic and histological evidence of retinal toxicity at concentrations of 16 mg or greater, while a single intravitreal dose of 8 mg or less of cefoperazone produced no evidence of retinal toxicity.