What is AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

Prednisolone is a steroid medicine. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Prednisolone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye swelling caused by allergy, infection, injury, surgery, or other conditions.

Prednisolone ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to prednisolone or other steroids, or if you have certain types of infection (viral, fungal, or bacterial) that can affect your eyes.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use prednisolone ophthalmic:

• glaucoma
• recent cataract surgery; or
• herpes simplex

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether prednisolone ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether prednisolone ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

AK-Pred Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes, severe headache
• sudden eye irritation
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
• signs of new eye infection, such as swelling, draining, or crusting of your eyes

Less serious side effects may include:

• temporary cloudy vision
• increased sensitivity to light; or
• mild stinging, burning, itching, or irritation in your eyes

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

AK-Pred Interactions

What other drugs affect AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on prednisolone used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

Do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

Do not use prednisolone ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using prednisolone ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.

Prednisolone ophthalmic can cause side effects that may impair your vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to see clearly.

AK-Pred Dosage

How should I take AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using prednisolone ophthalmic.

To apply the eye drops:

• Shake the bottle gently before each use to be sure the medicine is well mixed
• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye

If you still have pain or swelling after 2 days of treatment, stop using this medication and call your doctor.

Do not stop using prednisolone ophthalmic suddenly after long-term use without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

If you use prednisolone ophthalmic for longer than 10 days, your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube tightly capped. Do not allow this medicine to freeze.

What happens if I overdose on AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of prednisolone ophthalmic is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of AK-Pred (Predniso Lone Ophthalmic)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com