Prednisolone (ophthalmic)

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

Prednisolone Acetate Suspension, Drops (Final Dose Form) – Uses, Side Effects, and More

This medication is used to treat certain eye conditions due to inflammation or injury. Prednisolone works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

How to use Prednisolone Acetate Suspension, Drops (Final Dose Form)

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

If your doctor does approve the wearing of contact lenses during treatment with this medication, remove the lenses before using the eye drops. The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after each dose of the eye drop before wearing the lenses again.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. If you are using a suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before using. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

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 1 drop into the pouch. 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.

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Apply as often as directed by your doctor. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (for example, other drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects.

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.

Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for example, drops turn a dark color). Use of contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 days or if it worsens.

Prednisolone (ophthalmic)

Generic name: prednisolone (ophthalmic) [ pred-NIS-oh-lone-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Omnipred, Pred Forte, Pred Mild, Prednisol, Econopred, . show all 12 brands Econopred Plus, AK-Pred, Inflamase Forte, Inflamase Mild, Ocu-Pred, Ocu-Pred Forte, Ocu-Pred-A
Dosage forms: ophthalmic solution (sodium phosphate 1%), ophthalmic suspension (acetate 0.12%; acetate 1%; acetate 1% preservative-free)
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 18, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is prednisolone ophthalmic?

Prednisolone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine used to treat eye inflammation caused by allergies, severe acne, shingles (herpes zoster), eye injury, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.

Prednisolone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use prednisolone if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use prednisolone if you are allergic to it, or if you have an eye infection (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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

You should not breast-feed while using prednisolone ophthalmic.

Prednisolone ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take prednisolone ophthalmic?

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

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

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.

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

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in prednisolone could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking prednisolone ophthalmic?

Do not share prednisolone with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Prednisolone ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Prednisolone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye;
• pain behind your eyes; or
• signs of eye infection–swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of prednisolone may include:

• mild stinging, burning, or irritation in your eyes.

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

What other drugs will affect prednisolone ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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