ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS, STEROIDAL (Ophthalmic)

Brand & Generic Names

Ak-Dex	HYDROCORTISONE
Ak-Pred	I-Methasone
Ak-Tate	I-Pred
Baldex	Inflamase Forte
BETAMETHASONE	Inflamase-Mild
Betnesol	Life-Pred
Cortamed	Maxidex
Cortisol	MEDRYSONE
Decadron	Ocu-Dex
Dexair	Ocu-Pred
DEXAMETHASONE	Ocu-Pred-A
Dexotic	Ocu-Pred Forte
Econopred	Pred Forte
Econopred Plus	Pred Mild
Flarex	Predair
FLUOROMETHOLONE	Predair-A
Fluor-Op	Predair Forte
FML Forte	PREDNISOLONE
FML Liquifilm	Storz-Dexa
FML S.O.P.	Ultra Pred
HMS Liquifilm

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Adrenocorticoid (ophthalmic); anti-inflammatory, steroidal (ophthalmic)

Uses

• Relieves redness and irritation due to allergies or other irritants.
• Prevents damage to eye.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Eye Drops
Wash hands.
Apply pressure to inside corner of eye with middle finger.
Continue pressure for 1 minute after placing medicine in eye.
Tilt head backward. Pull lower lid away from eye with index finger of the same hand.
Drop eye drops into pouch and close eye. Don't blink.
Keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes. Eye ointment
Wash hands.
Pull lower lid down from eye to form a pouch.
Squeeze tube to apply thin strip of ointment into pouch.
Close eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
Don't touch applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). If you accidentally touch tip, clean with warm soap and water.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep cool, but don't freeze.
Wash hands immediately after using.

When to use:
As directed.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Affects cell membranes and decreases response to irritating substances.

Time lapse before drug works:
Immediately.

Don't use with:
Medicines for abdominal cramps or glaucoma without first consulting doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Watery, stinging, burning eyes. Rare (extremely): Eye pain, blurred vision, drooping eyelid, halos around lights, enlarged pupils.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to any cortisone medicine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have or ever have had any eye infection, glaucoma, virus (herpes) infection of the eye, tuberculosis of the eye.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Safety to unborn child unestablished. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Safety unestablished. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use for short periods of time only.

Prolonged use:
Recheck with eye doctor at regular intervals.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:

• Cortisone eye medicines should not be used for bacterial, viral, fungal or tubercular infections.
• Keep cool, but don't freeze.
• Notify doctor if condition doesn't improve within 3 days.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Clinically significant intera	ctions with oral or injected medicines

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.