ABX ointment can be administered through an SPL.

ABX ointment can be administered through an SPL.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with dilute ointment
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (B)

Subpalpebral lavage is designed to deliver medications to the eye using a narrow tube and works best with low-viscosity solutions that flow readily over the ocular surface. Antibiotic ointments are thick and oily, and they tend to cling to the tubing, clog the lumen, and fail to distribute evenly on the conjunctiva. This leads to unreliable dosing, irritation, and potential blockage of the system. For these reasons, ABX ointment should not be given through an SPL. If antibiotic therapy via an SPL is needed, use an aqueous preparation rather than an ointment, and apply ointments by direct topical instillation only when appropriate.

Subpalpebral lavage is designed to deliver medications to the eye using a narrow tube and works best with low-viscosity solutions that flow readily over the ocular surface. Antibiotic ointments are thick and oily, and they tend to cling to the tubing, clog the lumen, and fail to distribute evenly on the conjunctiva. This leads to unreliable dosing, irritation, and potential blockage of the system. For these reasons, ABX ointment should not be given through an SPL. If antibiotic therapy via an SPL is needed, use an aqueous preparation rather than an ointment, and apply ointments by direct topical instillation only when appropriate.