Clinagel Vet

Clinagel Vet  is a topical eye medication that is licensed in dogs and cats for the treatment of superficial eye infections which are sensitive to gentamicin.  These include conditions such as bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration,

Gentamicin has a broad-spectrum of activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.  Furthermore, Clinagel Vet  contains a gentle, soothing hypromellose base which has been shown to reduce irritation and reddening of the eye.

Clinagel Vet  is a prescription-only medicine (POM-V)

The importance of gram negative bacteria in canine conjunctivitis

In a study carried out at Cambridge University, and presented at the BSAVA Congress(1), bacterial swabs were evaluated from 50 dogs with first-line uncomplicated conjunctivitis.  In this study, 57% of the eyes tested contained a bacterial infection and 43% of the bacteria isolated were gram negative, predominantly E. coli , Proteus sp. , and Pseudomonas sp.

The soothing benefits of Clinagel Vet

Clinagel Vet  contains gentamicin, which has a broad spectrum of activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.  Furthermore, Clinagel Vet  contains a gentle, soothing hypromellose base.  In a second study, also carried out at Cambridge University(2), the benefits of the hypromellose base were confirmed:

- swabs were taken from 26 dogs suffering from first-line uncomplicated conjunctivitis

- the dogs were randomly assigned into two groups; those receiving Clinagel Vet  and those receiving    trometanol-based gentamicin

- bacteria were isolated in 62% of cases

Dogs receiving Clinagel Vet  showed significantly greater improvement in irritation and reddening even in cases where no bacteria were found

"The results were interesting and surprising, and clearly show Clinagel Vets hypromellose gel-based formulation can greatly reduce hyperaemia and irritation in first-line conjunctivitis cases" Dr David Williams MA VetMB PhD CertVOphthal FRCVS

References

1. Williams D.L., Harmer E.J., (2006), Fusidic acid resistance in ocular surface bacteria isolated from cases of canine conjunctivitis, Proceedings of the 49th BSAVA Congress, Birmingham, UK, April 20 to 23, 563

2. Williams D.L., Harmer E.J., (2005), Comparison of two topical gentamicin preparations for the treatment of canine conjunctivitis, Proceedings of the 48th BSAVA Congress, Birmingham, UK, April 7 to 10, 593

3. Williams D.L., Broadfoot F., (2010), Normal conjunctival bacterial flora in dogs from a rehoming shelter, Proceedings of the 53rd BSAVA Congress, Birmingham, UK, April 8 to 11, 436

Clinagel Vet Datasheet Information

Composition: 3mg gentamicin (as gentamicin sulphate) per gram of gel, benzalkonium chloride 0.1mg/g, as antimicrobial preservative, and hypromellose

Active ingredient(s): Gentamicin & hypromellose

Mode of Action:  Gentamicin: is bacteriocidal and works by inhibiting bacterial protein production.  It provides broad spectrum antibiotic cover against aerobic gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Hypromellose: is a clear carrier gel, with excellent lacrimomimetic (tear replacement) and lubricant activity, providing increased comfort to the patient.  It also disperses and distributes the gentamicin across the surface of the eye, prolonging its contact with the corneal surface.

Instructions of use: Apply 1cm strips in the conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid  2-3 times daily. Duration of treatment is one to several weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Precautions of use: Hypersensitivity to any of the components can occur.  In this instance, it is recommended to stop treatment immediately. Long term treatment of antibiotics can result in the overgrowth of non-sensitive organisms such as fungi. Do not use concurrently with other topical antimicrobial ophthalmic products. Any contents remaining one month after the date on which the container was first opened should be discarded

Administration Details

• Apply 1cm strips in the conjunctival sac of the lower eyelid  2-3 times daily
• Duration of treatment is one to several weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection
• When using the product for the first time, unscrew the complete cap and remove/ discard the lowest  ring.  Subsequently, replacing the cap will pierce the seal at the top of the tube
• Avoid contact between the tube and the eye