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.