Blephamide is a combination of sulfacetamide (antibiotic) and prednisolone (corticosteroid). This medication comes in a suspension form (eye drops) and is available in 0.20% with many different sized bottles.

Blephamide is used to treat inflammation 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 prescibe 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 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 shake the bottle well before using it.

Apply two drops every four hours during the day and at bedtime.

How to put eye drops in

• Tilt your head back
• Look upward
• Form a pouch by pulling down on your lower eyelid
• Hold the dropper above eye; apply 2 drops into the pouch
• Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 – 2 minutes

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 eye drops. It is common when using ophthalmic medicines. Be cautious when you use the eye drops if you plan on driving somewhere.

If you are pregnant, make sure the benefits out weigh 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.

Do not wear contact lens when you are applying eye drops. Wait 15 minutes before putting them back in after eye drops have been applied.

As mentioned previously, using eye drops can cause temporary vision loss. This is not a serious side effect unless it 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.

How should I store Blephamide?

Store this product in an upright position at 8°-24°C (46°-75°F). Ensure it is protected from light and freezing. Do not use if the solution has darkened, if it has yellowing it still ok to use.

Is it safe for children?

It is safe for children above the age of 5. Children 5 and under should not use Blephamide.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to this drug?

An allergic reaction looks like: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough, a raised, itchy, red rash (hives), swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.

What else should I know?

Prolonged or excessive use of this medication can cause an additional type of infection to occur. This could be a fungal or viral infection, or other possible eye infections. Make sure you follow directions given to your by your doctor very carefully to avoid this from occurring.