Sulfacetamide and Prednisolone

(sul fa SEE ta mide & pred NIS oh lone)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to sulfacetamide sodium, prednisolone, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If your child has a sulfa (sulfonamide) allergy, talk with the doctor.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop or treat eye infections.

How does this drug work?

• Sulfacetamide works to harm the bacteria and fight the infection.
• Prednisolone lowers or stops the body's reaction to the allergen.
• It stops or lowers irritation and swelling.

How is this drug given?

• All products:
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Eye solution, suspension:
• For the eye only.
• Shake suspension well before use.
• Have your child take out his/her contact lenses before using this drug. Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this drug is given. Do not put lenses back in if your child's eyes are irritated or infected.
• Do not touch the container tip to your child's eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your child's head back and to the side of affected eye.
• After giving this drug, ask your child to keep eyes closed. Put light pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes. This keeps the drug in your child's eye.
• Space each eye drug by 5 minutes.
• Eye ointment:
• For the eye only.
• Have your child take out his/her contact lenses before using this drug. Lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after this drug is given. Do not put lenses back in if your child's eyes are irritated or infected.
• Do not touch the container tip to your child's eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your child's head back and to the side of affected eye.
• Gently pull down the lower lid and squeeze in how much the doctor told you to use.
• Release the lower eyelid and have your child keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Space each eye drug by 10 minutes.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Eye irritation.
• Blurred eyesight. Have your child use care when doing tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Bright lights may bother your child. Have your child wear sunglasses.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted side effects of this drug.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.