DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Fluorometholone; Sulfacetamide

March 21, 2017

Fluorometholone, Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic drops, suspension

What is this medicine?

FLUOROMETHOLONE; SULFACETAMIDE (flure oh METH oh lone; sul fa SEE ta mide) is an eye drop with a steroid and a sulfonamide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain infections of the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • cataracts or glaucoma

  • diabetes

  • eye injury or eye surgery

  • immune system problems

  • wear contact lens

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to sulfacetamide, fluorometholone, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake the bottle well before use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • eye products that contain silver

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after 2 days or if they get worse. A full course of treatment is usually 10 days. Check with your health care provider before using this medicine for any future eye problems. If you get any sign of an allergic reaction, stop using your medicine and call your doctor or health care professional for advice.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or healthcare professional when you can wear your lenses again. If you can continue wearing your lenses during treatment, wait 15 minutes after application of the product before inserting your lenses. Some eye conditions may not allow you to wear your lenses during treatment. If your doctor or health care professional recommends use with other eye drops or ointments, you should use one product, then wait 5 to 10 minutes before using the next product. Eye ointments should be applied last when several eye medicines are used together.

To prevent infection of the eyes, do not share any eye products, towels, washcloths or other personal care items with anyone else.

This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. It is recommended that you wear sunglasses.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • burning, blistering, peeling, stinging, or swelling, of the eyelids

  • eye pain, decreased or blurred vision that does not go away

  • headache

  • infection

  • sore throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • blurred vision for a few moments after application

  • change in taste

  • runny nose

  • temporary watering of eyes

  • temporary redness or stinging for a few moments after application

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused eye products after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert