Corticosteroid-containing preparations for ophthalmic use

Corticosteroids :- Betnesol , Cloburate , FML , Maxidex , Minims Prednisolone , Minims Dexamethasone , Pred Forte , Predsol , Vista Methasone

Corticosteroid-antibiotic combinations :- Betnesol-N , FML-NEO , Maxitrol , Neo-Cortef , Predsol-N , Sofradex , Vista-Methasone-N

The concurrent use of cosmetic contact lenses is contraindicated for topical corticosteroid use since the corticosteroid use may reduce the natural (immune) defences of the external eye to infection and retard re-epithelialisation. Under close supervision, limited corticosteroid use may be indicated concurrently with the use of a bandage contact lens where the benefit from ocular surface protection by the contact lens outweighs the risks of adverse reactions.

Betnesol® Eye Drops

betamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1%
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- BETNESOL gtt, 10 mLbottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Betnesol® Eye Ointment

betamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1%
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- BETNESOL ung, 3 g tube
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers);
Comment/s:-

Betnesol-N® Eye Drops

betamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1%, neomycin 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment where bacterial infection is considered likely or present; for short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- BETNESOL-N gtt, 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Betnesol-N® Eye Ointment

betamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1%, neomycin 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment where bacterial infection is considered likely or present; for short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- BETNESOL-N ung, 3 g tube
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Cloburate® Eye Drops

clobetasone 0.1 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- CLOBURATE gtt, 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Cloburate-N® Eye Drops

clobetasone 0.1 %, neomycin 0.5 %
Availability :- product discontinued 1998

FML® Eye Drops

fluorometholone 0.1 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride, edetate sodium
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- FML gtt, 5 mL or 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

FML-Neo® Eye Drops

fluorometholone 0.1 %, neomycin 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride, edetate sodium
Indications for use:- for inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment where bacterial infection is considered likely or present; for short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- FML-NEO gtt, 5 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Maxidex® Eye Drops

dexamethasone 0.1 %, hypromellose 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- MAXIDEX gtt, 5 mL or 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Maxitrol® Eye Drops

dexamethasone 0.1 %, polymyxin B 6000 U/mL, neomycin 0.35 %, hypromellose 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- MAXITROL gtt, 5 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Maxitrol® Eye Ointment

dexamethasone 0.1 %, polymyxin B 6000 U/mL, neomycin 0.35 %, hypromellose 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- MAXITROL ung, 3.5 g tube
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Minims® Dexamethasone Eye Drops

fluorometholone 0.1 %
Preservatives:- none
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- MINIMS DEXAMETHASONE gtt, unit dose (box of 20)
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension; pregnancy; breast feeding
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants and children
Drug-Drug Interaction/s:- anticholinergics
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Minims® Prednisolone Eye Drops

prednisolone sodium phosphate 0.5 %
Preservatives:- none
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- MINIMS PREDNISOLONE gtt, unit dose (box of 20)
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Neo-Cortef® Eye Drops

hydrocortisone acetate 1.5 %, neomycin 0.5 %
Preservatives:- myristyl-gamma-picolinium chloride
Indications for use:- for inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment where bacterial infection is considered likely or present; for short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :-NEO-CORTEF gtt, 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Neo-Cortef® Eye Ointment

hydrocortisone acetate 1.5 %, neomycin 0.5 %
Preservatives:- myristyl-gamma-picolinium chloride
Indications for use:- for inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment where bacterial infection is considered likely or present; for short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :-NEO-CORTEF ung, 3.9 g tube
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Pred Forte® Eye Drops

prednisolone acetate 1 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride, edetate sodium
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- PRED FORTE gtt, 5 mL or 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy; avoid prolonged use when breast feeding
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Predsol® Eye Drops

prednisolone sodium phosphate 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- PREDSOL gtt, 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Predsol-N® Eye Drops

prednisolone sodium phosphate 0.1%, neomycin sulphate 0.5 %
Preservatives:- benzethonium chloride
Indications for use:- for inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment where bacterial infection is considered likely or present; for short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- PREDSOL-N gtt, 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Sofradex® Eye Drops

dexamethasone sodium m-sulphobenzoate 0.05 %, framycetin 0.5 %, gramicidin 0.005 %
Preservatives:- phenylethyl alcohol
Indications for use:- for short-term use in milder steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment (conjunctiva and eyelids) where antibiotic prophylaxis is also required
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- SOFRADEX gtt, 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as neomycin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Sofradex® Eye Ointment

dexamethasone sodium m-sulphobenzoate 0.05 %, framycetin 0.5 %, gramicidin 0.005 %
Preservatives:- phenylethyl alcohol
Indications for use:- for short-term use in milder steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment (conjunctiva and eyelids) where antibiotic prophylaxis is also required
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- SOFRADEX ung, 5 g tube
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as neomycin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-

Vista-Methasone® Eye Drops

betamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1 %
Preservatives:- benzalkonium chloride
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- VISTA-METHASONE gtt, 5 mL and 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers)
Comment/s:-

Vista-Methasone-N® Eye Drops

betamethasone sodium phosphate 0.5 %, neomycin 0.5 %
Preservatives:- thimerosal
Indications for use:- for non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment
Category:- POM
Current optometric application/s (UK):- none
Availability :- VISTA-METHASONE-N gtt, 5 mL and 10 mL bottle
Contraindication/s:- known allergy (sensitivity) to any ingredients of the eyedrops; active herpes simplex (dendritic keratitis) of the eye, active fungal infections of the eye, active tuberculosis infections affecting the eye, presence of purulent discharge; presence of corneal or scleral thinning (as associated with collagen diseases); untreated glaucoma or uncontrolled ocular hypertension;
Special precaution/s:- IOP should be monitored periodically, especially in prolonged use (e.g. over 10 to 14 days); use when elevated IOP is present (or there is risk of the same) should be carried out under close supervision; avoid prolonged use in infants; avoid prolonged use in pregnancy
Adverse drug reaction/s:- a rise of IOP (> 30 mm Hg) can occur in certain individuals; peripheral corneal thinning or scleral "melting" leading to perforation; over-use can increase risk of secondary infection by opportunistic pathogens (e.g. viruses and fungi); cataract can develop in susceptible individuals with prolonged use (especially if there is substantial compromise of the ocular surface barriers); local allergic reactions (consider possible cross allergy to other aminoglycosides such as framycetin and gentamicin)
Comment/s:-