Blephamide Ointment is a combination of sulfacetamide (antibiotic) and prednisolone (corticosteroid). This medication comes as a topical ointment and is available in 0.20% with many different sized bottles.

Blephamide Ointment is used to treat swelling in the eye that occurs from uveitis, eye injuries, radiation, and chemical burns. Although these are the more common uses of Blephamide, there are other uses a doctor may prescribe this medicine. This medication is typically used when a risk of a bacterial infection presents itself in or around the eye.

The sulfacetamide and prednisolone inside Blephamide Ointment work together as team to combat the inflammation. The antibiotic agent of the medication fights off and reduces the growth of bacteria where the corticosteroid cleans up the mess of the bacteria by reducing the inflammation it caused.

Always follow instructions given to you by your doctor.

Wash your hands every time you are about to use this medication and ensure they are dry before proceeding. Do not wear contact when you are applying ointment. Wait 15 minutes before putting them back in after the ointment has been applied. Avoid blinking or rubbing your eye when applying this medication.

How to apply ointment to the eye:

• Tilt your head back
• Look upward
• Form a pouch by pulling down on your lower eyelid
• Squeeze the tube gently to allow half an inch strip of the ointment into the eye
• Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 – 2 minutes
• Roll your eye in a circular motion to ensure medication is evenly spread into the eye

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also be sure to mention any drug allergies you may have.

It is important to tell your doctor if you have a medical history of:

Eye problems (such as glaucoma); Eye surgeries; and Diabetes

Don’t stress if your vision becomes blurry or unstable after applying the ointment. It is common when using medication in the eye. Be cautious when you use this product if you plan on driving somewhere.

If you are pregnant, make sure the benefits outweigh the risks; this medication should only be used when absolutely needed if pregnant.

It is not yet known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor to learn more.

As mentioned previously, using Blephamide Ointment can cause temporary vision loss. This is not a serious side effect unless it is continues for longer than an hour and a half.

Other common side effects include;

Eye discomfort; Dry eyes; Tearing; Itching; or Redness.

Less common but serious side effects include;

Vision changes (like prolonged vision loss); Eye pain; and Staining of the eye.

Can I use the Blephamide eye drops with the Blephamide ointment?

You can use them both, but ensure there is a 10-minute interval in between and use eye drops first.

What are the other uses of this medication?

Inflammation of the Iris and Ciliary Body of the Eye, bacterial infection of the eyelid, an infection on the surface of the eye, blepharoconjunctivitis an inflammatory disorder of the eyes pink eye from bacterial infection

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you next dose is already approaching, just skip it. Never double up on doses.