Econopred (Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic) - Description and Clinical Pharmacology

DESCRIPTION

ECONOPRED® and ECONOPRED® Plus (Prednisolone Acetate) are adrenocortical steroid products prepared as sterile ophthalmic suspensions. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structure:

Each mL contains: Active: Prednisolone Acetate 1.0% or 0.125%. Preservative: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%. Vehicle: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose. Inactive: Dibasic Sodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 80, Edetate Disodium, Glycerin, Citric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide (to adjust pH), Purified Water. DM-02, DM-03

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Corticosteroids inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and probably delay or slow healing. They inhibit the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation.

There is no generally accepted explanation for the mechanism of action of ocular corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A₂ inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A₂.

Corticosteroids are capable of producing a rise in intraocular pressure.