What you need to know about this eye medication (Sulfacetamide; Prednisolone)

Sometimes our eyes suddenly become red, swollen, and start itching all day long, right? Or, a bacterial infection can develop in the eye, causing watery tears. When we go to see a doctor at times like these, he or she will prescribe an eye ointment. So today we are talking about one such commonly used eye ointment. Being aware of this is very important for the health of your eyes.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. You may find your doctor prescribing this medication under brand names like Blephamide SOP, Cetapred, and Metimyd. It contains two main ingredients:

1. Steroid: This contains a steroid called `(Prednisolone). This works by reducing swelling, redness, and itching inside the eye. Like a firefighter, it controls inflammation inside the eye.

2. Sulfa Antibiotic: The other medicine in this is `(Sulfacetamide)`. This is an antibiotic, that is, an antibiotic. It kills bacteria that have entered the eye and cures the infection.

So when these two are combined, on the one hand, they kill the bacteria that caused the infection, and on the other hand, they control the discomfort caused by that infection, such as redness and swelling.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine

This is very important. It is essential that your doctor is aware of these facts before you use this medicine.

• Viral infections: If you have a viral infection, such as chickenpox or herpes, in the eye area or elsewhere on the body. Steroids can make some viral infections worse.
• Cataracts: If you have cataracts or someone in your family has them.
• Glaucoma: If you have glaucoma.
• Contact Lenses: If you are a contact lens wearer.
• Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, corticosteroids, or any other medicine or food, be sure to mention it.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before using this medicine.

How do you apply this medicine correctly to the eye?

Since this is an ointment, it's a little different than eye drops. Let's take a step-by-step look at exactly how to do it.

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean them.

2. Then, tilt your head back a little and look up.

3. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch-like space between your lower eyelid and your eye.

4. Now open the cap of the medicine tube and do not let the tip of the tube touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so will contaminate the medicine and may cause infection.

5. Gently squeeze the tube and place a strip of ointment about 1 centimeter long inside the pouch made by the eyelid.

6. Then, look down and slowly close your eyes. Hold your eyes closed for about a minute. At this time, rolling your eyes back and forth will help spread the medicine throughout your eye.

7. After applying the medicine , your vision may be slightly blurred for a few minutes. This is normal, don't worry. It will go away after a while.

What to do if you overdose on medication?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Please note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to someone else who has similar eye conditions.

What are the side effects? Things we should be aware of

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Let's take a look at what those side effects are and when we should be extra careful.

What else do you need to remember?

• If there is no improvement after two days of using the medicine, or if the condition worsens , call your doctor immediately.
• After using this medicine this time, if you have another eye problem in the future, do not use it without consulting your doctor.
• If this medication causes photosensitivity in your eyes, wear sunglasses when going outside.
• If you are using other eye medications, talk to your doctor before using this medication.

How do you store the medicine tube properly?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature ( between 8 and 24 degrees Celsius ). Keep away from excessive heat or cold.
• Do not freeze.
• Throw away any medicine that has expired. Using expired medicine can damage your eyes.

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