Prednisolone and sulfacetamide (ophthalmic)

Prednisolone and sulfacetamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination of an antibiotic and a steroid. It is used to treat eye inflammation caused by uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.

Prednisolone and sulfacetamide is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.

Prednisolone and sulfacetamide ophthalmic may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use prednisolone and sulfacetamide if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to prednisolone or sulfacetamide, or if you have:

• a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex);
• severe dry eyes; or
• an allergy to a sulfa drug or steroid medication.

It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blisters and peeling).

Prednisolone and sulfacetamide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• severe eye redness, eye pain, watery eyes, or sensitivity to light;
• eye discomfort, crusting, or drainage (which may indicate an infection);
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights;
• small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye;
• pain behind your eyes or sudden changes in vision; or
• slow healing after eye surgery.

Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor if you have new or worsening eye pain or swelling that lasts longer than 48 hours.

Common side effects of prednisolone and sulfacetamide may include:

• eye redness, itching, or other irritation;
• red or puffy eyelids;
• blurred vision; or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not the wear contact lenses while using prednisolone and sulfacetamide.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

To apply the ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

The eye drops should look clear or slightly yellow. Do not use if the drops appear darker in color. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of prednisolone and sulfacetamide (ophthalmic) is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not share prednisolone and sulfacetamide with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

Avoid driving or doing anything that requires clear vision. You may experience blurred vision for a short time.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be influenced by other drugs you take. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.