Blephamide

Uses

What is Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide) used for?

Blephamide® suspension is an antibacterial and corticosteroid combination. It works by reducing the itching, redness, and swelling of the eye. It also works to stop the growth of certain bacteria that cause eye infections.

How should I take Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

To use Blephamide® suspension in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.

To clear up your infection completely, use Blephamide® suspension for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Do not use Blephamide® suspension if it is dark brown or has darkened since you began using it. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about whether you should use Blephamide® suspension.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Blephamide® suspension. Take care of your contact lenses as directed by the manufacturer. Check with your doctor before you use them.

How do I store Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

Blephamide® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Blephamide® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Blephamide® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Blephamide® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• You are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
• You have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.
• You have thinning of the eye tissues (e.g., cornea, sclera), other eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, nerve damage), severe dry eyes, or diabetes.
• You have a viral eye infection (e.g., herpes simplex, vaccinia, chickenpox), tuberculosis eye infection, or fungal infection of the eye or eye structures.
• You have recently had cataract surgery.
• You are allergic to any ingredient in Blephamide® suspension, to other corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), or to other sulfonamides (e.g., acetazolamide, celecoxib, hydrochlorothiazide, glyburide, probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, zonisamide).

Also, these are important information that you may notice:

• Blephamide® suspension may cause blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Blephamide® suspension with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• If your symptoms do not get better within 2 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
• Be sure to use Blephamide® suspension for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Blephamide® suspension may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Blephamide® suspension before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Do not use Blephamide® suspension for future eye problems unless directed by your doctor.
• Lab tests, including eye pressure, may be performed while you use Blephamide® suspension. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Blephamide® suspension should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using Blephamide® during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Blephamide®.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Temporary burning or stinging

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Changes in vision
• Eye pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Irritation
• Sores
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Red, swollen, or blistered skin
• Severe or persistent blurred vision
• Unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

Blephamide® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

These products may include silver-containing medicines (e.g., silver nitrate) because the risk of side effects may be increased.

Does food or alcohol interact with Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

Blephamide® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide)?

Blephamide® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide).

What is the dose of Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide) for an adult?

Adults and children over 6 years old:

The recommended dose is 2 drops every 4 hours and at bedtime or small amount of ointment 3–4 times daily and 1–2 times at night.

May prolong dosing interval as condition improves; max 20ml or 8g per therapeutic course.

What is the dose of Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide) for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Blephamide® (prednisolone/sulfacetamide) available?

Blephamide® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Suspension eyedrops: 5 ml vial – Table B
• Eyedrops suspension: 15 ml vial – Table B
• Sulfacetamide sodium 100mg in 1ml, prednisolone acetate 2mg in 1ml

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Blephamide®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.