Iritis and Pred Forte are commonly mentioned together. Pred Forte contains a steroid medication that eases redness, irritation, and swelling due to inflammation of the eye. It is normally the first plan of attack doctors use to calm iritis also referred to as anterior uveitis.
Most important fact about this drug
Do not use Pred Forte more often or for a longer period than your doctor orders. Overuse can increase the risk of side effects and can lead to eye damage. If your eye problems return, do not use any leftover Pred Forte without first consulting your doctor.
How should you use this medication?
Keep using Pred Forte for the full time prescribed. To avoid spreading infection, do not let anyone else use your prescription. Pred Forte may increase the chance of infection from contact lenses. Your doctor may advise you to stop wearing your contacts while using this medication.
Follow these steps to administer Pred Forte:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Vigorously shake the dropper bottle.
3. Gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pocket next to your eye.
4. Do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye.
5. Brace the bottle against the bridge of your nose or your forehead.
6. Tilt your head back and squeeze the medication into your eye.
7. Close your eyes gently. Keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Do not rinse the dropper.
9. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes before using a second eye medication.
If you miss a dose
Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Storage instructions
Store away from heat and direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed and protect from freezing.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Pred Forte.
Side effects may include:
Allergic reactions, blurred vision, burning/stinging, cataract formation, delayed wound healing, dilated pupils, drooping eyelid, increased pressure inside the eyeball, inflamed eyes, perforation of the eyeball, secondary infection, ulcers of the cornea
Since many of these developments could affect your vision temporarily or permanently, it is important to keep in close contact with your doctor while using Pred Forte eyedrops, and to use the drops only as directed.
Occasionally, long-term use of Pred Forte eyedrops may cause bodywide side effects due to an overload of steroid hormone. Such side effects may include a “moon-faced” appearance, obese trunk, humped upper back, wasted limbs, and purple stretch marks on the skin. These effects are likely to disappear once the medication is withdrawn. If bodywide side effects occur, you will need to stop using the eye drops gradually rather than all at once.
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
You should not take Pred Forte if you have herpes or other viral diseases of the eye, or certain bacterial or fungal diseases of the eye.
Do not use Pred Forte if you are allergic to prednisolone or other steroids.
Special warnings about this medication
You must stay in close touch with your doctor while using this medication, for the following reasons:
If you use Pred Forte eyedrops extensively and/or for an extended period of time, you may be at increased risk for cataracts or vision problems. Prolonged use also increases the risk of another infection.
If you have had cataract surgery, this medication can delay healing.
Some eye diseases, together with long-term use of steroids, can cause thinning of the cornea; you may be at increased risk for perforation of the eyeball.
If you have a persistent ulceration of the cornea of your eye while using Pred Forte eyedrops, the problem may be a secondary fungus infection which Pred Forte cannot cure. An eye doctor should evaluate this possibility.
If you use Pred Forte eyedrops for 10 days or longer, an eye doctor should check your intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eyeball) frequently, since prolonged use of steroids may increase this pressure. If you already have glaucoma, use this medication cautiously. If increased pressure is allowed to continue, it may cause loss of vision.
Corticosteroids can mask, or worsen, pus-forming eye infections. If your eye inflammation or pain lasts longer than 48 hours or becomes worse, stop using Pred Forte and call your doctor.
Pred Forte contains sodium bisulfite, which can cause allergic-type reactions, including severe or even life-threatening asthma attacks. You are more likely to be sensitive to sulfites if you suffer from asthma.
Possible food and drug interactions when using this medication
Prednisolone acetate, the active ingredient in Pred Forte eyedrops, is also available in tablet and injectable forms for the treatment of other disorders. It’s known that when these other forms of prednisolone acetate are taken with certain drugs, the effects of either medication can be increased, decreased, or altered. Therefore, it’s wise to check with your doctor before combining Pred Forte eyedrops with other medications.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Pred Forte eyedrops should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the developing baby.
It is not known whether the hormone in Pred Forte eyedrops appears in breast milk. If it does, the small quantity involved would be unlikely to harm a breastfeeding baby. Nevertheless, caution is advised when using Pred Forte eyedrops while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS
Put 1 to 2 drops under the eyelid 2 to 4 times daily. During the first 24 to 48 hours, your doctor may want you to use more frequent doses.
Overdosage
A one-time accidental overdose of Pred Forte eyedrops ordinarily will not cause acute problems. Over time, however, overdosage may have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of a chronic overdose with Pred Forte eyedrops, seek medical attention immediately.
If you accidentally swallow Pred Forte eyedrops, drink fluids to dilute the medication. Call your local poison center or your doctor for assistance.
