Sign inBefore using prednisolone eye drops
Before using prednisolone eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you have an eye infection or discharge from the eye.
- If you suffer from glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye).
- If you are allergic to benzalkonium chloride, a preservative present in eye drops.
- If you wear soft contact lenses.
How to use prednisolone eye drops
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Follow the instructions you have been given carefully. You will be told how often to use the drops and for how long.
- Wash your hands well before use.
- Remove the outer cap.
- Pull the lower lid of the affected eye down to form a pocket.
- Hold the container between your thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye but try not to touch the eye.
- Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop.
- Close your eye and keep it closed for one to two minutes pressing gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose.
- Repeat in the other eye if you have been asked to use this preparation in both eyes.
- Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with your fingers as you do so.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not use if the tamper-proof seal on the bottle is broken.
- Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
- These eye drops are only intended for short-term use. It is important to use this preparation only for as long as it is needed.
- If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
- Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- Do not wear soft contact lenses during treatment with these eye drops.
- If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they become worse, stop using this preparation and check with your doctor.
- Do not use this preparation more often, or for a longer period, than your doctor has told you to.
Can prednisolone eye drops cause problems?
Along with their useful effect, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use these drops | What can I do if I experience this |
| Irritation, burning, stinging, or itching | Keep your eye closed for a few minutes until this passes. If it continues or is severe, contact your doctor for advice |
| Blurred vision | Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly |
How to store prednisolone eye drops
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- Do not use if the container has been opened for longer than four weeks.
- If there is any preparation left in the container after you have finished your course of treatment, do not keep it.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Pred Forte®, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2010.
- British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.