Combined indomethacin/gentamicin eyedrops to reduce pain after traumatic corneal abrasion

• Published in: European journal of ophthalmology Vol. 11; no. 3; p. 233
• Main Authors: Alberti, M M, Bouat, C G, Allaire, C M, Trinquand, C J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Bacterial Agents - adverse effects; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - administration & dosage; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - adverse effects; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - therapeutic use; Corneal Injuries; Double-Blind Method; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eye Injuries - complications; Eye Injuries - drug therapy; Female; Gentamicins - administration & dosage; Gentamicins - adverse effects; Gentamicins - therapeutic use; Humans; Indomethacin - administration & dosage; Indomethacin - adverse effects; Indomethacin - therapeutic use; Male; Ophthalmic Solutions; Pain - drug therapy; Pain - etiology; Pain Measurement; Safety
• ISSN: 1120-6721
• DOI: 10.1177/112067210101100304

To evaluate the analgesic action of combined indomethacin 0.1%/gentamicin eyedrops in traumatic corneal abrasion. We evaluated 123 patients presenting traumatic corneal abrasion in a multicentre, randomised, double-masked study comparing two parallel treatment groups: indomethacin/gentamicin (group 1) or gentamicin alone (group 2). Study treatments were administered four times daily for 5-6 days. Pain (visual analogue scale), associated symptoms and safety were assessed. Starting from a comparable level, pain was reduced by 30% in group 1 and 15% in group 2, one hour after the first instillation, and by 59% and 42% respectively after the second. The global difference in pain relief from day 0 to day 4/5 was significantly better in group 1 (p = 0.015). Associated ophthalmic symptoms showed a greater decrease in group 1 after the first instillation (p = 0.007). Both treatments were well tolerated. Combined indomethacin/gentamicin eyedrops were effective and well tolerated in reducing the pain and discomfort associated with traumatic corneal abrasion.