Sterility of ophthalmic drugs dispensed from spray bottles.

BACKGROUND

Spray application of cycloplegics and mydriatics is efficacious and frequently easier to use than a standard dropper bottle in the pediatric population. However, no documentation regarding the sterility of drugs dispensed from spray bottles is available. This study was conducted to determine whether contamination of ophthalmic drugs occurs with spray bottle use.

METHODS

Fifteen milliliters of 1% cyclopentolate hydrochloride or 0.5% tetracaine hydrochloride were transferred to each of 15 disinfected spray bottles, stored at room temperature or refrigerated, and sprayed three times weekly for 12 weeks. Cultures were obtained from the spray bottles and drugs before transfer of the drug and from spray bottle contents at 0, 2, 4, and 6 to 12 weeks of storage.

RESULTS

No cultures showed significant bacterial growth. The bactericidal action of the preservative and sterility of the drugs were maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the transfer to and use of a spray bottle there appears to be minimal risk of instilling contaminated diagnostic drugs using the spray method when a single drug is stored in a spray bottle.