Vasocine ophthalmic

This medication is used to prevent or treat eye infections and to treat swelling in the eye. This product contains an antibiotic (sulfacetamide) that stops the growth of bacteria and a corticosteroid (prednisolone) that reduces inflammation.

This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to use Vasocine Ointment

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them.

Apply eye ointment to the affected eye(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down your lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) strip of ointment into the pouch by squeezing the tube gently. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Roll your eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Apply as often as directed by your doctor.

Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove excess medication before recapping it.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Continue using it for the full time prescribed even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. If you use it regularly for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using it without consulting your doctor. Your dosage may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 days.

This medication may temporarily sting or burn your eyes for a minute or two when applied. Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye discomfort, dry eyes, tearing, itching, or redness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new type of eye infection (e.g., viral, fungal). Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, eye pain, staining of the eyes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bleeding/bruising, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using sulfacetamide/prednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, severely dry eyes), eye surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), diabetes.

Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if the medications in this product pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: gentamicin, certain local anesthetics (e.g., tetracaine), preparations that contain silver.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused portion after therapy is completed. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

With prolonged use (more than 10 days), laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.