Sulfacetamide/Prednisolone (Into The Eye)

Prednisolone (pred-NISS-oh-lone), Sulfacetamide (sul-fa-SEE-ta-mide)

Treats inflammation in the eye when there is also a chance of bacterial infection. This medicine is a combination of a sulfa drug and a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Blephamide, Blephamide S.O.P., Ocu-Lone C, Metimyd, Vasocidin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfacetamide, prednisolone, or other sulfa drugs or corticosteroids, or if you have certain types of infections in your eye, especially herpes simplex.

How to Use This Medicine:

Ointment, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine.
• Do not use this medicine if the liquid has become darker in color. Call your doctor for a refill.
• Shake the medicine well just before each use. Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using silver nitrate or silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other eye problems (including severe dry eyes) or infections, or if you have recently had cataract surgery.
• If your condition has not improved within 2 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
• This medicine could increase the pressure inside your eye or cause other eye problems, including cataracts. Keep all appointments so your doctor can check for these problems.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to use less and less before stopping it completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Redness, pain, swelling, or discharge not present in your eye before using this medicine
• Sensitivity to light, trouble seeing, or other change in vision
• Severe skin sores, rash, or blisters
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry eyes, drooping eyelids
• Stinging when putting the medicine in your eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.