Flurostar N

Flurostar N Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products. It is also used for the disinfection of rigid contact lenses.

Benzalkonium chloride solutions are generally categorized as biocidal agents with relative long durations of action. Their spectrum of activity has been demonstrated against bacteria, to some viruses, fungi, and protozoa , although bacterial spores are treated as being resistant to the agent. Additionally, the agent generally shows more activity against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria . Finally, solutions of benzalkonium chloride are bacteriostatic or bactericidal based on their concentration. Bacteriostatic agents act to prevent further growth of bacterial organisms that are present while bactericidal agents function to kill bacteria that are present . In general, the activity of the agent is not largely affected by pH, but such activity does increase substantially at higher temperatures and prolonged exposure times.

Fluorometholone is a corticosteroid with an excellent anti-inflammatory action with no significant influence on the intraocular pressure. The anti-inflammatory activity of Fluorometholone is at least 40 times stronger than that of Hydrocortisone. Corticosteroids are thought to act by the introduction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandin and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2. In comparison with other corticosteroids Fluorometholone is more rapidly degraded in tissue and therefore has less effect on the intraocular pressure. The immunosuppressive action of Fluorometholone is less pronounced than that of Dexamethasone.

Corticosteroids such as fluorometholone 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.

Neomycin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic drug that is derived from the metabolic products of Streptomyces fradiae. Neomycin is a complex comprised of three components, neomycin A, B, and C. Neomycin B, also known as framycetin, is the most active component of the complex and neomycin C is the isomer of neomycin B, making these two stereoisomers the active components of neomycin. Neomycin A, or neamine, is a moiety that conjoins two molecules of neomycin B and C together. Neomycin is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms and mediates its pharmacological action by binding to bacterial ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis, which is crucial for the survival of bacteria.

Neomycin sulfate is the most common form for pharmaceutical preparations; because the compound is a complex, the amount of neomycin in products is measured in units. Neomycin sulfate as monotherapy is available in an oral solution for adjunct use in the treatment of hepatic coma. It is also used in combination with polymyxin B sulfates and hydrocortisone in otic suspensions for use in the treatment of bacterial infections in the external auditory canal, including infections caused by medical procedures in the ear. Neomycin is also used in combination with polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone in ophthalmic preparations for use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and infections in the eye. Neomycin is also available in over-the-counter topical products to prevent minor skin infections.

Neomycin mediates its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby suppressing the growth and survival of susceptible bacteria. Following oral administration, the duration of bactericidal activity of neomycin ranged from 48 to 72 hours. By decreasing colonic bacteria that produce ammonia, neomycin was shown to be effective as an adjunctive therapy in hepatic coma to improve neurologic symptoms.

Flurostar N
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Flurostar N
Generic	Benzalkonium + Fluorometholone + Neomycin
Type	Eye Drops
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer	Invision Medi Sciences Pvt Ltd
Available Country	India
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Higher concentrations of Benzalkonium chloride is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. This is also widely used as a preservative in eye-drops.

Fluorometholone Acetate ophthalmic suspension is used for the treatment of-

Acute and chronic non-infectious conjunctivitis and keratitis of allergic origin.
Non-infectious inflammation of the anterior chamber of the eye (including anterior uveitis, episcleritis and scleritis).
Post-operative irritative conditions after strabismus, cataract and glaucoma surgery.

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic agent used orally and topically to treat a wide variety of infections in the body.

Oral neomycin sulfate is indicated as an adjunctive therapy in hepatic coma (portal-system encephalopathy) by reducing ammonia-forming bacteria in the intestinal tract. It is strongly recommended that oral neomycin is only used in infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria to reduce the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Neomycin, in combination with polymyxin B sulfates and hydrocortisone in otic suspensions, is used in the treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the external auditory canal caused by organisms susceptible to the antibiotics. This otic formulation is also used in the treatment of infections of mastoidectomy and fenestration cavities caused by organisms susceptible to the antibiotics.

The ophthalmic solution containing neomycin in combination with polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone is used to treat steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where bacterial infection or a risk of bacterial infection exists.

Flurostar N is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Diaper Dermatitis, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), Eye and eyelid infections, Gingivitis, Hemorrhoids, Infantile Eczema, Mouth irritation, Pruritus Ani, Tonsillitis, Throat inflammation, Antisepsis, Disinfection therapy, Eye disinfection, Eye lubrication, Hand Hygiene, Skin disinfection, Wound treatmentAnterior chamber inflammation, Conjunctivitis allergic, Corneal Inflammation, Inflammation, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular bacterial infectionsAcne pustular, Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Allergy Skin, Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Atopic Dermatitis (AD) of the external ear canal, Bacterial diarrhoea, Burns, Carbuncle, Cradle Cap, Dermatitis, Dermatitis, Contact, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Diarrhoea, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Ear infection bacterial, Ear infection bacterial caused by susceptible bacteria, Gastrointestinal Infections, Hepatic coma, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), Hot Water Burns (Scalds), Impetigo, Impetigo contagious, Infantile Eczema, Infected Wounds, Infected skin ulcer, Infection of the outer ear caused by susceptible bacteria, Infectious diarrhea, Inflammatory Reaction caused by Acne, Intertrigo, Itching caused by Infection, Lichen Planus (LP), Localized Infection caused by susceptible bacteria, Nail infection, Neurodermatitis, Otitis Externa, Postoperative Wound Infection, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Pustular Dermatosis, Radiodermatitis, Secondarily Infected Eczema, Secondary Bacterial Infection, Skin Burns, Skin Infections, Skin Infections, Bacterial, Skin Irritation, Skin Ulcer, Solar erythema, Abrasions, Blistering caused by Staphylococcus, Erythematous eruptions, Intertriginous erythema of the anogenital, Ocular bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria, Resistant to other corticosteroids Dermatosis, Susceptible Bacterial Infections

How Flurostar N works

Although not entirely elucidated, the bactericidal action of benzalkonium chloride is believed to be due to the disruption of intermolecular interactions. Such disruption can cause the dissociation of cellular membrane lipid bilayers of bacteria, resulting in compromised cellular permeability control and the leakage of important cellular contents. Additionally, other important molecular complexes like enzymes which control the maintenance of a great range of respiratory and metabolic cellular activities, are also susceptible to such deactivation. Consequently, a variety of critical intermolecular interactions and tertiary structures in very highly specific biochemical systems that allow bacterial agents to function normally can be readily disrupted or deactivated by cationic surfactants like benzalkonium chloride. .

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. Their primary target is the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing the increase in expression of specific target genes.

Like other aminoglycoside antibiotic drugs, neomycin inhibits bacterial ribosomes by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria and disrupting the translational machinery of bacterial protein synthesis. Bacterial translation is normally initiated by the mRNA binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and subsequent binding with 50S subunit for elongation.

Dosage

Flurostar N dosage

Tincture of benzalkonium chloride 1:750 is used for the preoperative disinfection of unbroken skin or treatment of superficial injuries.
For preoperative disinfection of mucous membranes and denuded skin, benzalkonium chloride solution in concentrations of 1:10000 to 1:2000 is used.
For irrigation of the eye, a solution of 1:10000 to 1:5000 is used.
For urinary bladder and urethral irrigation, a solution 1:5000 to 1:20000 is used.
For vaginal douche and irrigation, benzalkonium chloride solution 1:5000 to 1:20000.

1 drop instilled into the conjunctival sac 2-4 times daily. During the initial 24 to 48 hours the dosage may be safely increased to 1 drop every hour. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. Shake well before use.

Side Effects

Repeated application may cause hypersensitivity reactions. May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.

Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity or field defects, cataract formation, secondary ocular infection following suppression of host immunity, perforation of the globe.

Toxicity

An oral dose of 100-400 mg/kg or a parenteral dose of 5-15 mg/kg is believed to be fatal in humans .

A potential concern for larger concentrations of benzalkonium chloride to possibly cause corneal damage when implemented as an excipient ingredient in aqueous eye products is an issue that should be discussed between potential patents and their health care providers . Since decreased regular blinking and tear generation in patients experiencing dry eyes due to any number of eye conditions can result in reduced dilution of applied eye drops containing the benzalkonium chloride preservative , alternative options including benzalkonium chloride-free products should be considered.

Additionally, benzalkonium chloride has been reported to cause punctate keratopathy and/or toxic ulcerative keratopathy. In addition, benzalkonium chloride may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses . There may also be the possibility of benzalkonium chloride containing eye drops to cause some stinging and pain .

There is the possibility of ototoxicity occurring when benzalkonium chloride containing ear drops are applied to the ear .

Benzalkonium chloride used as a preservative in nebulised solutions of anti-asthma drugs has been reported to cause dose-related bronchoconstriction especially in asthmatic patients and has been associated with the precipitation of respiratory arrest .

Despite the fairly widespread cutaneous use of benzalkonium chloride, only limited human evidence of sensitization in relatively small populations of individuals have been reported . Nevertheless, the main adverse effect for topical formulations of benzalkonium chloride is usually the warning 'may cause local irritation' .

Side effects may include acute anterior uveitis and perforation of the globe. Keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, mydriasis, conjunctival hyperemia, loss of accommodation and ptosis have occasionally been reported following local use of corticosteroids. LD₅₀ = 234 mg/kg (rats)

The oral LD₅₀ of neomycin sulfate in mouse is > 8 g/kg. The subcutaneous LD₅₀ is 200 mg/kg in rat and 190 mg/kg in mouse. The intraperitoneal LD₅₀ in mouse is 305 mg/kg. The oral Lowest published toxic dose (TDLo) in woman is 12600 mg/kg/7D.

Because of low absorption, acute overdosage from oral neomycin is not likely to occur. However, prolonged administration of neomycin should be avoided because of the possibility of some systemic absorption and the risk of neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and/or nephrotoxicity. Hemodialysis will remove neomycin from the blood. While nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity have been reported in otherwise patients without compromised renal function, the risk for developing these toxicities is increased in patients with renal impairment. Like other aminoglycosides, neomycin may cause fetal harm and total irreversible bilateral congenital deafness when administered in pregnant women.

Precaution

Shake well before using. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored.

Interaction

Disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts should not be used for skin preparation before injections of viscoelastic solutions. Hyaluronic acid will precipitate in the presence of these salts.

Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension.

Volume of Distribution

When applied as a topical antibacterial, antiseptic, disinfectant, or sanitizer it is believed that molecules of benzalkonium chloride are poorly absorbed (perhaps due to their large, positively charged nature ), especially considering expectations for such topical applications to keep their biocidal agents available for action at the topical level and to not be absorbed significantly beyond it.

When benzalkonium chloride is implemented as an excipient preservative ingredient in various eye, nose, and ear aqueous products, such products will always have other active pharmacological agents whose volume of distribution will be of greater importance. In these cases the excipients will only ever be present at the minimal levels necessary to maintain the integrity of the product substance.

Moreover, Benzalkonium chloride is currently listed as a Category III ingredient by the United States Food and Drug Administration . Ingredients are listed in the FDA Category III when the data available about them are insufficient to classify as safe and effective, requiring further testing to determine more formal details about elements like human pharmacokinetic studies, and studies on the ingredients' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

The small fraction of absorbed neomycin is rapidly distributed in the tissues. The amount of systemically absorbed neomycin is reported to increase cumulatively with each repeated dose administered until a steady state is reached.

Elimination Route

Percutaneous absorption is considered to be insignificant .

In one study, benzalkonium chloride absorption was evaluated in women using tampons containing the agent. Venous blood samples were drawn 15 minutes before the tampon application and then again at 15 min, 1 h, 3 h, and 24 h after application. Benzalkonium chloride was not detected in any of the blood samples at any time tested.

Similarly, in another study, benzalkonium chloride absorption was tested in women using tampons containing the agent. Venous blood and breast milk samples were taken 15 minutes before application and 3 h and 24 h after tampon administration. Benzalkonium chloride was not found in any of the subjects' samples. .

Moreover, in a study where benzalkonium chloride solution was placed on the corneal surface of rabbit subjects, at various intervals after administration, the rabbits' eyes would be washed with 1 mL saline and the following tissues and fluids were removed: bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva, aqueous humour, corneal epithelium, endothelium and stroma, iris-ciliary body, lens, vitreous, retina, and choroid. Plasma samples were obtained with direct cardiac punctures. After administration of one drop, benzalkonium chloride was found in the corneal epithelium, endothelium, and stroma, and in the bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae. Benzalkonium chloride loss from ocular tissues was such that about one-third to two thirds of its concentration (depending on the tissue) at 30 min remained after 24 hr; measurable values existed for as long as 120 hr. The administration of multiple drops led to continued accumulation of benzalkonium chloride. .

Neomycin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal absorption of the drug may be increased if inflammatory or ulcerative gastrointestinal disease is present.

Half Life

There is limited information on the half-life of neomycin.

Clearance

There is limited information on the clearance rate of neomycin.

Elimination Route

Administered benzalkonium chloride is likely eliminated largely in faeces, similar to other quaternary ammonium compounds .

The small absorbed fraction of neomycin is excreted by the kidney. The unabsorbed portion of the drug is excreted unchanged in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Safety of the use of topical steroids during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Contraindication

Incompatible with soaps and other anionic surfactants, citrates, iodides, nitrates, permanganates, salicylates, silver salts, tartrates, and zinc oxide and sulfate.

Hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the formulation.
Infectious conjunctivitis or keratitis.
Injuries and ulcerous processes of cornea, especially infections caused by virus, bacteria and fungi.
Dry eyes, especially keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Glaucoma.