Benzalkonium Chloride Kinetics in Young and Adult Albino and Pigmented Rabbit Eyes

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Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of radiolabeled benzalkonium chloride (BAK) have been determined following either single- or multiple-drop application regimens to young and adult albino and pigmented rabbit eyes. Benzalkonium chloride was found in the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, corneal epithelium and stroma, and endothelium. Tissues of young animals accumulated greater quantities of surfactant than those of adult animals; the rate of loss of detergent was also more rapid in tissues of young animals. Single-drop administration resulted in high tissue levels in the anterior ocular tissues that were retained for up to 120 hr. Multiple-drop administration led to accumulation in the epithelium to a greater degree than any other tissue. Benzalkonium chloride, a widely used ophthalmic preservative, is retained in external ocular tissues and does not enter the eye.