Ophthalmic prednisolone reduces the irritation, redness, burning, and swelling of eye inflammation caused by chemicals, heat, radiation, infection, allergy, or foreign bodies in the eye. It sometimes is used after eye surgery. Prednisolone is in a class of medications called steroids. It prevents swelling and redness by changing the way the immune system works.
Ophthalmic prednisolone comes as a solution (liquid) and a suspension (eye drops) to instill in the eye and as an eye ointment to apply to the eye. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to use prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment even if you feel well. Do not stop using prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment without talking to your doctor.
To use the eye drops, follow these instructions:
Toapply the eye ointment, follow these steps:
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment,
Instill or apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Use any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time the next one is due, use only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not instill or apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Prednisolone eye drops and eye ointment may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
If you still have symptoms of eye irritation after you finish the prednisolone eye drops or eye ointment, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
¶These branded products are no longer on the market and only generic alternatives are available.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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