How Do Ophthalmic Aminoglycosides Work?

Reviewed on 4/22/2021

What Are Ophthalmic Aminoglycosides and How Do They Work?

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics, and ophthalmic aminoglycosides are antibiotic solutions and ointments used as topical applications to treat bacterial eye infections. Some of the ophthalmic aminoglycosides are effective for fungal infections.

Aminoglycosides have twofold action against bacterial infections:

  • Create fissures in the bacterial cell membrane, which causes the bacterial cellular contents to leak out, and enables the uptake of the antibiotic into the bacterial cell.
  • Block bacterial protein synthesis.

Bacteria are broadly classified as gram-positive or gram-negative based on a lab test known as the Gram stain test. Gram stain test uses a violet stain (gentian violet) to find the type of bacteria infecting the tissue that is tested. Gram-positive bacteria absorb and retain the violet stain, while gram-negative bacteria do not retain the color.

Aminoglycosides are potent antibiotics against aerobic gram-negative bacteria. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen for survival, while anaerobic bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments. Aminoglycosides are more active against aerobic bacteria because they have the energy that is required for the absorption of the antibiotic, while anaerobic bacteria have low energy.

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How Are Ophthalmic Aminoglycosides Used?

Uses of ophthalmic aminoglycosides include:

Ophthalmic aminoglycosides are used for several types of bacterial and fungal infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common bacterial infections that affects the eyes. Eye conditions treated with ophthalmic glycosides include:

What Are Possible Side Effects of Ophthalmic Aminoglycosides?

Side effects of ophthalmic aminoglycosides may include:

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

What Are Names of Some Ophthalmic Aminoglycoside Drugs?

Names of ophthalmic aminoglycoside drugs include:

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References
https://reference.medscape.com/drugs/aminoglycosides-ophthalmic

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/1115/p1811.html

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