[Pharmacokinetics of systemic, regional and topical drugs for therapy of intraocular inflammation].

A broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory drugs with different mechanisms is available for the treatment of intraocular inflammation. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy. Mechanisms of action are quite well understood for most drugs in particular taken from animal research studies. However, pharmacokinetic evidence for treatment of ocular disease is generally limited for the human eye and especially for ocular inflammation. The bioavailability of a particular drug in an inflamed eye is expected to be faster due to a barrier breakdown. Therefore, intraocular level of effective substances should be lowered more rapidly than in a non-inflamed eye due to improved drainage. This article reviews current knowledge firstly about local, regional and systemic anti-inflammatory therapy of uveitis and finally on immuosuppressive systemic therapy.