sulfacetamide-prednisolone 10 %-0.23 % (0.25 %) eye drops

Generic name:
Sulfacetamide/prednisolone drops - ophthalmic

Pronunciation
(SUL-fa-SEET-a-mide/pred-NIS-oh-loan)

Brand name(s)
Blephamide , Vasocidin

This medication is used to prevent or treat eye infections and to treat swelling in the eye. This product contains an antibiotic (sulfacetamide) that stops the growth of bacteria and a corticosteroid (prednisolone) that reduces inflammation.

This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. If your product is a suspension, shake the suspension well before each dose. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Before using, check this product for discoloration. If it has darkened in color, do not use the liquid.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them.

Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into it. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed, and if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. If you use it regularly for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using it without consulting your doctor. Your dosage may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 2 days.

This medication may temporarily sting or burn your eyes for a minute or two when applied. Eye discomfort, dry eyes, tearing, itching, or redness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new type of eye infection (such as viral, fungal). Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• vision changes
• eye pain
• staining of the eyes
• signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• easy bleeding/bruising
• yellowing of the eyes/skin
• dark urine

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using sulfacetamide/prednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethoxazole), corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• eye problems (such as glaucoma, severely dry eyes)
• eye surgeries (such as cataract surgery)
• diabetes

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if the medications in this product pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• gentamicin
• certain local anesthetics (such as tetracaine)
• preparations that contain silver

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

If used for a long time (more than 10 days), lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. Do not use the solution if the color has darkened. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.