Toxicity and pharmacokinetics of cefepime (BMY-28142) following intravitreal injection in pigmented rabbit eyes.

We delineated the dose- and time-dependent retinal toxicity of cefepime (BMY-28142), a new third generation cephalosporin, using electroretinography in pigmented rabbit eyes. Toxicity was evaluated following intravitreal doses ranging from 0.5 to 20mg/0.1ml (N = 18). Electroretinographic patterns at one and two weeks indicated a toxic response to 20 mg of cefepime. B-waves were normal at one and two weeks for rabbits receiving doses of 0.5 to 10mg. Pharmacokinetic analysis after single intravitreal injection of 1 mg of cefepime (N = 3 rabbits/dose) disclosed the following vitreous fluid levels (ug/ml): 645 at Oh, 431 at 8h, 235 at 24h and 23 at 72h. Peak aqueous humor levels (56 ug/ml) were observed at 8h after injection. At 72h, ug/ml was detected in the aqueous fluid.