Corticosteroids Ophthalmic

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Corticosteroids are used in the eye to stop inflammation. They are most commonly used to treat conjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis, pannus (chronic superficial keratitis), and eosinophilic keratitis of the cat. The most common corticosteroid eye preparations are prednisolone and dexamethasone.

How do I give this medication?

"Wash your hands before and after administering the corticosteroid preparation."

• Instill the drops or ointment in the pet's eye(s) as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Wash your hands before and after administering the corticosteroid preparation.
• Shake drops well before use.
• DO NOT touch the eye with the tip of the dropper or the tip of the ointment tube.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in a tight, light resistant container away from children and other pets.

What are the side effects?

• There are few known side effects when corticosteroids are administered in the eye.
• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.