Blephamide (ophthalmic)

Generic name: prednisolone and sulfacetamide (ophthalmic) [ pred-NIS-oh-lone-and-SUL-fa-SEET-a-mide-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Blephamide, Blephamide S.O.P. ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Blephamide ophthalmic?

Blephamide (for the eyes) is a combination antibiotic and steroid medicine that is used to treat eye inflammation caused by uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.

Blephamide is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.

Blephamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Blephamide ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Blephamide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe eye redness, eye pain, watery eyes, or sensitivity to light;

• eye discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights;

• small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye;

• pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes; or

• slow healing after eye surgery.

Stop using this medicine and talk to your doctor if you have new or worsening eye pain or swelling that lasts longer than 48 hours.

Common side effects of Blephamide may include:

• eye redness, itching, or other irritation;

• red or puffy eyelids;

• blurred vision; or

• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Blephamide if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to prednisolone or sulfacetamide, or if you have:

• a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex);

• severe dry eyes; or

• an allergy to a sulfa drug or steroid medication.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I use Blephamide ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not the wear contact lenses while using Blephamide.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

To apply the ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

The eye drops should look clear or slightly yellow. Do not use if the drops appear darker in color. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Store the eye drops in an upright position.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Blephamide ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using prednisolone and sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not share Blephamide with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. You may have blurred vision for a short time.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Blephamide ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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