A study of aqueous and serum levels of ceftazidime following subconjunctival administration.

Patients undergoing cataract surgery may develop an infective endophthalmitis postoperatively which may result in the loss of an eye. This study was carried out to measure aqueous humour levels and to assess patients' tolerance of ceftazidime, a potent antipseudomonal cephalosporin, given subconjunctivally. Eighteen patients received 125 mg ceftazidime subconjunctivally before they underwent routine cataract surgery. A further two patients received 62.5 mg subconjunctivally. The results show good penetration into the aqueous humour well above the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of possible pathogens. There were no postoperative infections, no local irritation, and no systemic side effects.