INTRAOCULAR LEVELS OF METHOTREXATE AFTER INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION

PURPOSE: To determine if adequate intraocular levels of methotrexate a re achieved after intravenous administration. METHODS: After intraveno us administration, methotrexate levels were determined in the serum, t he anterior chamber, and the cerebrospinal fluids of a patient with re current ocular lymphoma. A fluorescence polarization immunoassay was u sed to make the determinations. RESULTS: At seven hours into a 24-hour intravenous infusion, methotrexate was at cytotoxic level in all samp les. At 74 hours, cytotoxic levels were present only in the aqueous hu mor. CONCLUSION: Sustained cytotoxic ocular methotrexate levels are ac hievable after systemic administration.