Prednisolone (Pred Forte) is a steroid used in the eye. It works well to control allergic reactions and inflammation (swelling) in the eye.
Eye injury
Swelling or allergies in the eye
Prednisolone (Pred Forte) is a corticosteroid used in the eye. These are man-made steroids that are like cortisol, a natural hormone your body makes. These medications work by lowering certain chemicals that normally cause itching, redness, swelling, or pain.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted 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 any of the following side effects occur:
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common or rare
Decreased vision
gradual blurring or loss of vision
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Blurred vision (mild and temporary, occurs after use of ointments)
Less common or rare
Burning, stinging, redness, or watering of the eyes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Works in the eye to relieve symptoms without having the side effects of oral steroids
Works quickly to relieve symptoms
Available in generic form
Depending on the condition, you might have to use the eye drops up to 4 times a day
Long-term use will require your healthcare provider to monitor your eyes more regularly.
Contains sulfite, which is not good for those with allergies to sulfite
If inflammation or pain gets worse or lasts longer than 2 days while taking prednisolone (Pred Forte), talk to your healthcare provider.
Only a small drop is needed per eye. Tilt your head back and place a drop into your lower eyelid, being careful not to touch the bottle tip to your eyelid or other surface. Afterwards, put pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 1 minute so that the medication gets absorbed. Repeat, if needed, in the other eye.
If you're supposed to give yourself multiple drops, wait a few minutes in between each drop.
Shake the bottle well before use. You can store prednisolone (Pred Forte) at room temperature. Don't freeze it.
Temporary burning and stinging in the eye may happen after putting in the drop.
If you are taking prednisolone (Pred Forte) long term, you may need to stop taking this medication slowly over time. Take it exactly as your healthcare provider prescribed and don't stop it suddenly.
Prednisolone (Pred Forte) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Those with cataracts and/or glaucoma | History of herpes simplex in the eye | Long-term use | Untreated eye infections
Long-term use of prednisolone (Pred Forte) leads to a higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma, certain eye infections, and thinning of the cornea. Don't take prednisolone (Pred Forte) if you have herpes simplex of the eye or any other type of bacterial or viral eye infection. Let your provider know if you have blurry vision, eye pain, or any other vision changes. If you are taking the medication for a long time, you may need to get regular eye exams to check your eye pressure.
Risk factors: Asthma
Prednisolone (Pred Forte) contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that might cause allergic-type reactions, ranging from mild reactions to severe, life-threatening episodes. You're at higher risk of an allergic reaction if you have asthma.
The typical dosing for prednisolone (Pred Forte) is to place 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times daily. It's important to shake the bottle well before using.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Eye injury
Swelling or allergies in the eye
Eye inflammation - all formulations of dexamethasone 0.1% drops
Ear inflammation - generic dexamethasone 0.1% solution only
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.