Sterilid-V is a combination preparation of two drugs: sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate. It is used to treat eye conditions that require preventing infection as well as inflammation and redness. It is available as an ophthalmic suspension in the form of eye drops.
Sulfacetamide sodium is a sulfonamide antibacterial agent. It is bacteriostatic, which means it prevents the growth of bacteria but does not necessarily kill bacteria upon exposure.
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids, or steroids, are synthetic drugs that are modeled after the naturally occurring hormone cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, pain, itchiness, and other effects mediated by the immune system response.
Uses
What is Sterilid-V used for?
Sterilid-V is mainly indicated to treat the symptoms of the following conditions:
- Palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Superficial punctate keratitis
- Trachoma
How should I take Sterilid-V?
As an ophthalmic suspension, carefully instill the drops onto the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your finger or eye. Cover the tip with the lid immediately after using it.
How do I store Sterilid-V?
This product is best stored at controlled room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Sterilid-V?
Corticosteroids, including Sterilid-V, are associated with an increased risk of infection, bone demineralization, weight gain, water retention, and various other effects. This risk is further increased in elderly patients, young patients, immunocompromised patients, and those undergoing chronic treatment with steroids.
Never stop taking corticosteroids suddenly. If side effects are being experienced or you have completed your therapy, your doses must be tapered gradually until it is safe to stop taking corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping the use of steroids can result in adrenal insufficiency, which is potentially life-threatening.
Some groups of people with conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, myopathy, glaucoma, and myasthenia gravis may experience an exacerbation of symptoms after using corticosteroids.
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
- An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
- Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions, especially:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Myopathy
- Glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sulfonamides may cause kernicterus in newborns. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.
This medication is pregnancy risk category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur when using Sterilid-V?
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
- Irritation of the eye
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Opportunistic fungal infections
- Change in mental state and behavior
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Increase intraocular pressure
- Glaucoma
- Papilledema
- Cataracts
- Vision loss
- Impaired healing
- Skin atrophy
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these serious, potentially fatal drug reactions:
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Sterilid-V?
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Drugs with known interactions:
- CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Oral contraceptives
- Rifampicin, rifabutin
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, primidone
- Aminoglutethimide
- Ephedrine
- Hypoglycemic agents
- Antihypertensives
- Neuromuscular blockers
- Diuretics
- Theophylline
- Cardiac glycosides
- Somatotropin
- Fluoroquinolones
- Tretinoin
- NSAIDs
- Coumarin anticoagulants
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, do not stop taking this drug. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
Does food or alcohol interact with Sterilid-V?
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Sterilid-V?
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:
- Immunosuppressant
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Myopathy
- Glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
Instill 2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) every 4 hours. If symptoms do not improve after 48 hours, the dose may need to be adjusted or the drug should be substituted.
What is the dose for a child?
There is no established pediatric dose. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How is Sterilid-V available?
This drug is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Sterile suspension ophthalmic drops sulfacetamide Na 10% + prednisolone acetate 0.25%
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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