Bleph-10

Sulfonamides, or sulfa medications, are part of a family of medications called anti-infectives. Sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations are used to treat eye infections.

These medications are available only with your doctor’s prescription.

This product is available in the following forms:

• Solution
• Ointment

As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

Allergies:

Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

Pediatric Usage:

No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric Usage:

No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in elderly patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Pregnancy:

Studies in women suggest that these medications pose minimal risk to unborn children when used while pregnant.

Breastfeeding:

Studies in women suggest that these medications pose minimal risk to the infant when used while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.

Other Interactions:

Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

For solution (eye drops):

• Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medication into this space. Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
• Wash your hands immediately after use to remove any medication that may be on them.
• Do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly closed. This will help prevent infection of the eye.

For ointment:

• Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1/3-in amount is enough, unless your doctor tells you to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
• To keep the medication as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly shut.

In order to help clear up the infection completely, you need to use this medication for the full term of treatment, even if your symptoms disappear. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing:

Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

Sulfacetamide:

• For ointment:

        -Adults and adolescents - Use 4 times a day and at bedtime.
        -Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For solution:

        -Adults and adolescents - One drop every 1-3 hours during the day and less often during the night.
        -Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Sulfisoxazole:

• For ointment:

        -Adults and children - Use 1-3 times a day at bedtime.

• For solution:

        -Adults and adolescents - 1 drop 3 or more times a day and at bedtime.
        -Children and infants 2 months of age and older - 1 drop 3 times or more a day.
        -Infants up to 2 months of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage:

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep our of the reach of children.

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

After use, eye ointments normally cause your vision to blur for a few minutes.

After use of this medication, occasional stinging or burning may be expected.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, inform your doctor.

A medication may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

More common:

• Itching, redness, swelling or other signs of irritation not present before the use of this medication.

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.