Effect of concurrent topical corticosteroid and NSAID therapy of experimental keratitis

The ability of suprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and prednisolone acetate, a corticosteroid, to suppress polymorphonuclear leukocyte invasion of the rabbit cornea during an experimental keratitis was evaluated following topical ophthalmic administration of either drug alone or both drugs concurrently. Suprofen therapy initiated immediately after induction of inflammation was ineffective. However, if suprofen therapy was begun 48 hr prior to the induction of inflammation, the drug was effective. In contrast, prednisolone acetate therapy begun after the induction of inflammation was effective; 48 hr of pretreatment with the corticosteroid produced a marked increase in its therapeutic effect. When administered according to the same regimen, concurrent therapy with suprofen and prednisolone acetate was significantly more effective than treatment with either drug alone. This result was obtained irrespective of whether concurrent therapy was initiated prior to or after the inflammatory event.