Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide
What is Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide used for?
Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide is used to treat inflammation of the eye and prevent bacterial infection
Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide contains an antibacterial ingredient called sulfacetamide sodium, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.
How does Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide work?
Prednisolone is used to treat inflammation of the eye
Sulfacetamide is an antibacterial drug that prevents infections by stopping the growth of bacteria.
What are the ingredients in Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide?
Medicinal ingredient: Sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate
Non-medicinal ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.025%, Disodium Edetate. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, Sodium Thiosulphate and Purified Water.
Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide comes in the following dosage forms:
Ophthalmic ointment, sulfacetamide sodium 10.0% w/v and prednisolone acetate 0.5% w/v. Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide Sterile Ophthalmic Suspension is supplied in 5 ml and 10 ml plastic squeeze bottles with an applicator tip.
Do not use Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide Ointment if you:
Are allergic to prednisolone, sulfacetamide or any of the ingredients in
Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide Ointment.
- Have an eye infection. Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide may hide or worsen certain infections
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- Any eye conditions.
- Are allergic to any other antibiotics.
Warnings that you should know about:
Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide may cause glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). Your doctor may monitor your eye pressure if you are taking Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide for long periods of time.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide:
- Silver solutions.
How to take Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide:
- Misuse or overuse of Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by sulfacetamide sodium (resistance). This means that Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide or other medicines that contain sulfacetamide sodium may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
- Avoid touching the tip of the applicator with your finger or eye to avoid contamination. Put the cap back on after use.
- Shake the bottle well before using.
To apply the drops:
- Pull down your lower eye lid
- Instill 1 – 2 drops inside your eyelid (conjunctival sac)
Usual Adult Dose:
Your doctor will tell you how much Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide you should take. Depending on your condition, you may need to take 1 - 2 drops 4 – 6 times daily.
Overdose:
If you think you have taken too much Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control center immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
What are possible side effects from using Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects include:
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Wounds taking longer to heal
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Visions changes associated with glaucoma (increased eye pressure) and/or cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye): hazy, blurry or dim vision, eye and head pain, swelling or redness in or around the eye. | X | ||
| Vision changes associated with corneal perforation (thinning or tearing of the front of the eye): worsening of vision or loss of vision. | X | ||
| Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin and mucous membrane reaction): Blisters on your skin and around your eyes, fever, red or purple rash. | X | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Suspected Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health- canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Store at controlled room temperature (15° - 30°C). Protect from freezing.
If you want more information about Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full prescribing information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html) or by calling 1-833-278-8556
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