Following primary repair of an open globe injury, systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is initiated. Which antibiotic class is preferred specifically because of its excellent penetration into the vitreous cavity after oral administration?
- A Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin or moxifloxacin ✓
- B First-generation cephalosporins such as cefazolin
- C Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin
- D Penicillin V
Correct answer: A. Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin or moxifloxacin
Explanation
Fluoroquinolones achieve therapeutic concentrations in the vitreous after oral dosing, unlike beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, which penetrate poorly across the blood-ocular barrier. Ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin also cover Bacillus species, an important pathogen in post-traumatic endophthalmitis. This property makes fluoroquinolones the standard systemic prophylactic agent after open globe repair, alongside tetanus prophylaxis and topical fortified antibiotics.
Reference: Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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