Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine differences in particle size between three prednisolone acetate suspensions: Pred Forte® , EconoPred® Plus, and generic prednisolone acetate 1%.
Setting: This study employed the setting of a laboratory evaluation.
Methods: Qualitative assessment of sedimentation rate as a function of particle size was the method employed for this study. Samples of the three products were taken from the top of the suspensions at 0 and 6 h and then at 12-h intervals from 12 to 72 h. At 72 h, a sample was pulled from the bottom of each suspension.
Results: Particle size in aliquots removed from the top of the suspensions steadily decreased over time. In the Pred Forte® sample, results for 72 h (bottom) were consistent with T = 0 h results. In the generic and EconoPred® Plus lots, the T = 72 h (bottom) results exceeded the T = 0 h results, suggesting a tendency for these particles to agglomerate more readily.
Conclusions: The prednisolone particles in Pred Forte® were smaller and more uniform at all time points, allowing them to stay in suspension longer. This may result in greater homogeneity between doses and increased ocular bioavailability.
