Prednefrin Forte (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride And Prednisolone Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Prednefrin Forte Used For?
Prednefrin Forte is a prescription eye drop medication that combines two active ingredients to treat serious eye conditions involving inflammation and swelling.
Primary Uses
Prednefrin Forte is used to treat severe inflammation (pain, swelling and redness) of the eye that is NOT caused by an infection, and persistent allergy of the eye.
How It Works
The medication contains prednisolone acetate, which belongs to a group called glucocorticoids that reduce pain, swelling and redness. The second ingredient, phenylephrine hydrochloride, helps reduce swollen blood vessels in the eye and eyelid.
How to Take Prednefrin Forte
Prednefrin Forte must be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication comes as eye drops that need to be applied directly to the affected eye(s).
Dosage Instructions
Use 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) according to your doctor’s instructions. Remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before replacing them. Shake the bottle well before each use. Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, eyelid, or any surface. If using other eye drops, wait 5-10 minutes between applications.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to use Prednefrin Forte and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Do not use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed application. Corticosteroid eye drops should not be used for more than 10 days except under strict medical supervision.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Increased pressure in the eye
- Eye irritation
- Dilation (widening) of the pupil
- Dry eye
- Eye discharge
- Eye pain
- Foreign body sensation
- Itchy eye
- Watery eyes
- Eye redness
- Droopy eyelid
- Headache
- Changes to taste
- Itchy, red skin rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Eye infection
- Blurry vision or changes in vision
- Severe allergic reaction including swelling of tongue, lips and throat
- Difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
Prednefrin Forte has several important warnings and should not be used by certain people or in specific situations.
Who Should Not Take Prednefrin Forte
Do not use if you are allergic to phenylephrine hydrochloride, prednisolone acetate, or any other ingredients. Do not use if you have any infection in or around the eye (bacterial, viral or fungal), an open sore on the front layer of the eyeball, or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any condition that might cause thinning of the front layer of the eyeball, thickening of blood vessel walls, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, enlarged prostate, diabetes, susceptibility to allergies, adrenal suppression, asthma, or if you take medicines for any other condition. Steroids may delay healing after cataract surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Prednefrin Forte.
Not for Children: Use of Prednefrin Forte is not recommended in children or adolescents younger than 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with Prednefrin Forte or be affected by it. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Do not use if you are taking MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or have taken them in the last 14 days.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors for depression
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- CYP3A inhibitor medicines including some antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and antiretroviral drugs
Alcohol & Driving
Prednefrin Forte can affect your vision temporarily, so take precautions when driving or operating machinery.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of using Prednefrin Forte with alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Wait for your vision to clear completely after using Prednefrin Forte before you drive or use machines, as the medication can temporarily affect your vision.
Storage
Store Prednefrin Forte upright in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Do not freeze the eye drops. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening it, even if there is medication left.
Overdose Information
If you use too much Prednefrin Forte, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If the medication is accidentally swallowed, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication begins working to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye, but your doctor will monitor your progress and determine the appropriate treatment duration.
No, do not use Prednefrin Forte while wearing contact lenses. Remove soft contact lenses before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as the preservative may cause discoloration.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, apply the drops as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never double the dose to make up for a missed application.
No, do not stop using this medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Follow your doctor’s instructions for discontinuing the medication.
Wash your hands, shake the bottle, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, and squeeze one drop into the pouch without touching the dropper to your eye. Close your eye and press the inner corner for 2 minutes.
Call your doctor straight away if your eyes seem to be getting worse, not improving, if you develop an eye infection, eye injury, blurred vision, or any changes in your vision.
Corticosteroid eye drops should not be used for more than 10 days except under strict supervision by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment for your specific condition.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.