What are steroid and antibiotic eye drops, and what are they used for?
Steroid and antibiotic eye drops and ointments contain a combination of a steroid and one or more types of antibiotics for the treatment of infection and inflammation of the eye. The steroid reduces inflammation while the antibiotic treats or prevents infection which may be the cause of the infection.
Examples of steroids that are used in these eye drops are hydrocortisone, loteprednol, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. Examples of antibiotics used in these formulations include tobramycin, neomycin, bacitracin, polymixin B, and gentamycin. These antibiotics have different mechanisms of action and two or three may be combined in one formulation.
Brand names include Blephamide, Catapred, Isopto, Pred-G, Poly-Pred, Tobradex, Zylet, and many others.
What are the side effects of steroid and antibiotic eye drops?
The most common side effects associated with these agents are:
- irritation,
- itching,
- swelling, and
- redness of the eye.
Allergic reactions and delayed wound healing may occur. Some agents may increase pressure in the eye and worsen glaucoma. Cataract formation and optic nerve damage also may occur.
What is the dosage for steroid and antibiotic eye drops?
- Doses range between 1 to 3 drops of the suspension instilled into the eye every 1 to 6 hours.
- The dose for an ointment is 1/2 inch 3 to 4 times daily. (Patients should see the instructions for each agent for more detailed information about how to use these agents.)
Which drugs interact with steroid and antibiotic eye drops?
- These drugs work locally in the eye and very little drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. There is a low chance of drug interactions with these agents.
SLIDESHOW
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- There are no adequate studies of use of these drugs during pregnancy.
- Steroids are secreted in breast milk when taken as pills or injections. These steroid-containing eye drops and ointments have not been adequately studies in women who are breastfeeding.
What else should I know about steroid and antibiotic eye drops?
What preparations of steroid and antibiotic eye drops are available?
- Steroid and antibiotic combination eye products are available as ointments or suspensions.
How should I keep steroid and antibiotic eye drops stored?
- They are usually stored at room temperature.
Summary
Steroid and antibiotic eye drops and ointments contain a combination of a steroid and one or more types of antibiotics for the treatment of infection and inflammation of the eye. Examples of steroids that are used in these eye drops are hydrocortisone, loteprednol, prednisolone, and dexamethasone. Examples of antibiotics used in these formulations include tobramycin, neomycin, bacitracin, polymixin B, and gentamycin. Brand names include Blephamide, Catapred, Isopto, Pred-G, Poly-Pred, Tobradex, Zylet, and many others. The most common side effects associated with these agents are irritation, itching, swelling, and redness of the eye.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- timolol/dorzolamide drops - ophthalmic, Cosopt
- Penicillin (Antibiotics)
- atropine eye drops
- ketorolac tromethamine eye drops (Acular, Acuvail)
- mineral oil/petrolatum ophthalmic
- Side Effects of Vancomycin Injection
- acetylcholine
- Side Effects of Alphagan P (brimonidine)
- cyclopentolate hydrochloride solution - ophthalmic, Cyclogyl
- piperacillin
- oxymetazoline ophthalmic
- trifluridine drops - ophthalmic, Viroptic
- Paremyd (hydroxyamphetamine Hydrobromide 1% and tropicamide 0.25%)
- Mitosol (mitomycin)
- naphazoline/zinc sulfate/glycerin ophthalmic
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCES:
FDA Prescribing Information for Blephamide, Catapred, Isopto, Pred-G, Poly-Pred, Tobradex, Zylet