This medication is used to treat swelling (inflammation)
and pain after eye surgery. Clobetasol works by relieving symptoms such as
swelling, redness, and itching. It belongs to a class of drugs known as
corticosteroids.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 2 times daily. This medication is usually started 1
day after surgery and continued for 2 weeks after surgery. Follow your
doctor's instructions carefully.
To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Contact lenses may absorb the preservative in this
product. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses.
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 the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and
place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle
pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the
medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed
to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye.
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 drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each
day.
This medication is used as directed by your doctor,
usually for 14 days after eye surgery. Do not start using this medication
early, use it more often than prescribed, or keep using it for longer than
directed by your doctor.
Continue to use this medication for the full time
prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your
doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Eye discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell 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 long periods or in high doses
may cause serious eye problems (such as cataracts or high pressure inside
the eyes). Tell your doctor right away if either of these serious side
effects occur:
This medication may mask the signs of an eye infection.
It may also put you at greater risk of developing an eye infection,
especially with longer use. Report any new or worsening symptoms such as
eye discharge/swelling/redness, vision problems, or no improvement of your
current eye condition. Your doctor will need to adjust your
treatment.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
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 clobetasol, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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 infections
- recent eye surgery
- cataracts
- glaucoma (open-angle type)
- severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- diabetes
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that
requires clear vision until you can do it safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
If you have a new eye infection or injury, or need eye
surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use your current bottle
of clobetasol eye drops or start a new bottle.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes 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.
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. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless your
doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams, measurement
of the pressure inside the eyes) may 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 the bottle upright at room temperature. Do not
freeze. 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.