Intravitreal effects of pimaricin in experimental fungal endophthalmitis.

Evaluation of 25, 50, and 100 mug of pimaricin given intravitreally to albino rabbits with Aspergillus endophthalmitis revealed that 25 mug of pimaricin, while nontoxic to the retina, was ineffective in inhibiting the fungal process. A dose of 50 mug was significantly more effective in inhibiting fungal disease but also caused significant retinal damage with loss of retinal function and iridoplegia. Dosages above this level resulted in vitreous retraction and degeneration, iridoplegia, and retinal detachment. Twenty-five micrograms of pimaricin given in three dosages spaced three days apart may be effective in inhibiting fungal endophthalmitis.