Uses

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.

How To Use

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. Shake this 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 this product, check it visually. Do not use if it has darkened in color.

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. 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 (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.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Continue using it for the full time prescribed even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse 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.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 days.

Side Effects

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 persist or worsen, 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 fever, persistent sore throat)
• 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.

Precautions

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

Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

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

It is not known if the medications in this product pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

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.

With prolonged use (more than 10 days), laboratory and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

Store between 46-75 degrees F (8-24 degrees C) away from light and heat. Do not freeze or store in the bathroom. 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.