Intraocular penetration of topically applied lincomycin hydrochloride in rabbits.

Ocular penetration of lincomycin hydrochloride in albino rabbits was determined by bioassay. On topical application, the frequency of multiple instillation of drops played an important role in producing therapeutic levels in the anterior chambers. Therapeutic levels were attained in the cornea, aqueous humor, and iris-ciliary body, with peak values occurring at 30 to 45 minutes. Varying the pH of the dosing solution did not change ocular absorption and distribution substantially. Removal of corneal epithelium, however, greatly enhanced absorption. Relative to clindamycin, lincomycin hydrochloride had longer onset of peak values and lower overall concentration in ocular tissues. Intravitreous injection of lincomycin hydrochloride produced therapeutic and steady levels of antibiotic in anterior chambers. Injection produced a concentration in aqueous humor twice that achievable topically. The major route of elimination from the posterior chamber was through retina-choroid.