Blephamide

Generic name: prednisolone and sulfacetamide (ophthalmic)
Brand names: Blephamide, Blephamide S.O.P.
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is Blephamide?

Blephamide is a prescription medicine that is used to treat or prevent eye infections.

Description

BLEPHAMIDE® (sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate ophthalmic ointment, USP) is a sterile topical ophthalmic ointment combining an antibacterial and a corticosteroid which have the following chemical structures:

      Sulfacetamide sodium                               Prednisolone acetate

      MW = 254.24                                     MW = 402.49

C8H9N2NaO3S•H2O                               C23H30O6

Chemical Names: Sulfacetamide sodium: N-sulfanilylacetamide monosodium salt monohydrate. Prednisolone acetate: 11β,17,21-Trihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 21-acetate.

Each mL of BLEPHAMIDE® contains: Actives: sulfacetamide sodium 10% and prednisolone acetate 0.2%; Inactives: phenylmercuric acetate 0.0008%; mineral oil; petrolatum and lanolin alcohol; and white petrolatum.

Before taking Blephamide, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Blephamide; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: A fungal, TB (tuberculosis), or viral infection of the eye.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Blephamide with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Blephamide?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Blephamide. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Do not use Blephamide for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Long-term use may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk with the doctor.
• Have your eye pressure checked if you are on Blephamide for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Blephamide while you are pregnant.

How is Blephamide best taken?

Use Blephamide as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Avoid wearing contacts unless told to wear them by your doctor.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• Do not use if the liquid gets darker.
• Shake well before use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Blephamide that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Eye is bothered by bright light.
• Rarely, very bad effects have happened with sulfa drugs. Sometimes, these have been deadly. These effects have included liver problems, blood problems, and very bad skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; feeling very tired or weak; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Blephamide?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Eye irritation.
• Dizziness.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Blephamide?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Store upright with the cap on.
• Protect from heat.
• Protect from light.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL