Blephamide Opth Solution (Prednisolone/Sulfacetamide)

What is Blephamide Opth Solution?

Blephamide (sulfacetamide/prednisolone) is a combination of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid and is meant for ophthalmic use only.

What is Blephamide Opth Solution used for?

Blephamide is used to treat steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye, especially which are bacterial in nature.

How does Blephamide Opth Solution work?

Blephamide is a combination of an antibiotic, sulfacetamide, and a corticosteroid, prednisolone.

Sulfacetamide inhibits the growth of bacteria and thus helps in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.

Prednisolone reduces the action of inflammation-causing hormones.

This dual action helps Blephamide treat bacterial eye infections.

How to use Blephamide Opth Solution

Blephamide should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Using the medication for longer periods or in larger amounts than prescribed is not advisable.

Before using the eye drops wash your hands properly and remove your contact lenses, if any.

To use the medicine, you should tilt your head back slightly, pull down your lower eyelid, look away from the dropper and put 1 drop into the eye. Close your eyes and gently press the inner corner of the eye for 2-3 minutes to prevent the drop from going into the tear duct. Maintain a gap of 5 minutes between subsequent drops.

Care should be taken that the dropper does not come in contact with your eyes, hands or any other body surface in order to prevent contamination of the dropper.

The medication is also available in an ointment form. Hold the tube in your hands for a few minutes so that the ointment warms up and comes out easily. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid. Apply a very thin layer of the ointment into the lower eyelid. Close your eyes. Roll your eyeballs around for 1-2 minutes in all the directions. Keep a gap of at least 10 minutes before applying the medicine into the other eye.

Blephamide may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Hence wear your lenses at least 15 minutes after application of the drop.

Blephamide should be applied at evenly spaced intervals to get the best results.

Do not increase or stop the dose during this period without consultation with your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or if it worsens contact you doctor immediately.

Blephamide Opth Solution warnings and precautions

Blephamide is not administered to patients who are allergic to sulfacetamide or prednisolone or other sulfa-based drugs.

It is important to inform your doctor beforehand about your medical conditions, especially if you have glaucoma, diabetes or if you have undergone a recent eye surgery.

It should be kept in mind that Blephamide treats bacterial infections only and it should not be used for the treatment of viral or fungal infections.

The medication may cause temporary blurred vision. So, avoid activities which require clear vision during this period.

Pregnant and lactating mothers should discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Blephamide with their doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Blephamide Opth Solution dose?

If you have missed a Blephamide dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine. 

What do I do if I have taken a Blephamide Opth Solution overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Blephamide, consult your doctor immediately.

Blephamide Opth Solution interactions

Oral steroids and eye drops which contain nitrates are expected to interact with Blephamide. Other drugs may also interact with this medication. It is important to tell your doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription, herbal drugs and vitamin-mineral supplements that you are taking.

Do not start using any new eye medication without consulting your doctor first.

Blephamide Opth Solution side effects

Side effects from Blephamide are usually rare. However there may be allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat or breathing difficulty. Seek emergency medical attention on appearance of such symptoms.

Mild burning or stinging sensation, irritation, eyelid swelling, redness, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and eyelid itching are some common and less serious side effects of Blephamide.