Sometimes our eyes suddenly become red, itchy, or swollen, right? Maybe it's after an accident where something happened to the eye, or it could be due to an infection. When you go to see a doctor at a time like this, there's a good chance he'll prescribe you an eye drop called Prednisolone. So, many people may be a little confused about what exactly this medicine is for, how to use it, and what precautions to take. So, today, let's talk about the things you need to know about this medicine.
Simply put, what is Prednisolone?
Prednisolone is actually a steroid. But don't be scared by the word 'steroid'. This is not the kind of steroid that bodybuilders use, and it's not harmful to the body. In medicine, we use this type of medication to control inflammation in the body.
Simply put, when your eye is injured, infected, or for any other reason, it becomes red, swollen, and painful because of this swelling inside the eye. Prednisolone eye drops work by reducing this swelling inside the eye and providing relief to the eye. This gradually reduces the redness, itching, pain, and swelling of the eye.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine to you, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Do you have an active infection in your eye or elsewhere in your body that is not currently healing? (e.g., a fungal, viral, or bacterial infection)
- Do you have cataracts or glaucoma?
- Are you a contact lens wearer?
- Have you ever had an allergic reaction to Prednisolone, a chemical called sulfites, other steroids, any other medicine, food, or dye?
- Are you pregnant? Or are you hoping to get pregnant soon?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother?
It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.
How do you use this eye drop correctly?
To get the full benefit of the medicine, it is essential to use it correctly. There are a few very simple steps.
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying the medicine.
2. If you have been given a 'suspension' (the medicine that comes in a bottle), shake the bottle well before using it. This will help the medicine mix properly.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Then, with your index finger, gently pull your lower eyelid down. This will create a small pouch-like space between your eyelid and your eye.
4. Do not let the tip of the dropper bottle touch your eyes, fingertips, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and contaminate the medicine.
5. Let the correct number of drops of medicine that the doctor prescribed fall into the bag made from the eyelid.
6. Close your eyes and wait for about 30 seconds. Don't press on your eyes, just keep them closed. This will allow the medicine to spread throughout the eye.
7. Use exactly the number of times and for the number of days your doctor tells you to. Do not use more or less.
Imagine you have taken too much medicine. If that happens, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
Problems with forgetting to take medication and other medications
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine at the right time, take that dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the right time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Problems with other medications (Interactions)
Usually, this eye drop does not cause any major problems with other medications that we take by mouth. However, if you are using another type of eye drop, do not put two eye drops in at the same time. You should wait at least 5-10 minutes between putting one in and putting in the other. However, it is best and safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- If your eye condition does not improve after about 5 days of taking the medication, or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor immediately.
- If you have any eye problems in the future, consult a doctor before using this remaining medicine.
- If you have been in close contact with someone who has measles or chickenpox, tell your doctor about that as well, as taking steroid medication can have a small effect on your immune system.
- If you wear contact lenses, be sure to ask your doctor if you can wear them while taking the medication and when you can wear them again.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Most of the time, these are not serious. Let's see what they are.
| Prednisolone side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Worsening of eye condition | If eye pain, redness, inflammation, or discharge from the eye begins or increases. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Blurred vision | Blurred vision for a few minutes after applying the medication. (This is usually temporary) |
| Minor eye inflammation | A slight burning or itching that occurs immediately after applying the medicine. |
How do you store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15-25 degrees Celsius). Never store it in the freezer. It is best to throw away any remaining medicine after opening the bottle, usually about a month. Also, never use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Prednisolone is a steroid eye drop that reduces swelling, redness, and itching in the eye.
- Before using the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially cataracts, glaucoma), allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- When applying eye drops, use the tip of the bottle cleanly, avoiding touching your eye or fingers.
- If eye pain increases, vision changes, or allergy symptoms develop, call your doctor immediately.
- Use the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine once your symptoms have subsided.
- This medicine is for you only. Never let anyone else use it.
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