Disposition of topical flurbiprofen in normal and aphakic rabbit eyes

In a study of the ocular absorption and elimination of a topically applied non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), flurbiprofen, the compound was well absorbed into rabbit ocular tissues and was highly concentrated in the rabbit cornea. In aphakic eyes, more drug penetrated to the vitreous and choroid-retina area than in normal rabbit eyes, although corneal concentrations were still high. No ocular metabolism of flurbiprofen could be detected, and the ocular route of application did not lead to any changes in blood elimination rates or metabolism when compared with intravenously injected drug. Currently, no NSAID is available for topical ocular use, and the development of such a drug is desirable for treatment of ocular inflammations, especially when long-term treatment is indicated.