New combination keeps inflammation down

A new fixed combination of dexamethasone and netilmicin offers an effective and safe way to control ocular inflammation after cataract surgery, according to results of a study published in the January issue of Eye.

S. Russo and colleagues from the Medical department at SIFI S.p.A, Italy and the Military Hospital, Romania, enrolled 223 patients to receive either I mg/ml dexamethasone plus 3 mg/ml netilmicin (n=148) or 1 mg/ml dexamethasone plus 3 mg/ml tobramycin (Tobradex) (n=75), four times a day for seven days after cataract surgery. Efficacy and safety were analysed one and seven days postoperatively, in addition to a follow-up visit 142 days postoperatively. The extent of anterior chamber inflammation, measured by slit-lamp according to a standard scoring system, was used as the primary efficacy parameter.

At seven days both fixed combinations were equally effective in reducing inflammation and the dexamethasone/netilmicin combination demonstrated a good safety profile, with no evidence of poor local tolerance or adverse reactions.

It was concluded that this new fixed combination is both effective and safe as a treatment for ocular inflammation following cataract surgery.