AHFS Class:

• Corticosteroids 52:08.08

Generic Name(s):

• prednisoLONE Acetate

• prednisoLONE Sodium Phosphate

• Gentamicin Sulfate and prednisoLONE Acetate

• Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfate and prednisoLONE Acetate

• Sulfacetamide Sodium and prednisoLONE Acetate

Prednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid.

Administration

Prednisolone acetate or sodium phosphate is applied topically to the eye. Care should be taken to avoid contamination of the tip of the ointment tube or dropper when the drug is used ophthalmically.

Dosage

Potency of some sodium phosphate preparations is expressed in terms of prednisolone phosphate.

For use in the eye, 1 or 2 drops of prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension or prednisolone sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution may be instilled into the conjunctival sac every hour during the day and every 2 hours during the night for initial therapy in severe cases. In mild or moderate inflammation or when a favorable response is attained in severe cases, dosage may be reduced to 1 or 2 drops every 3-12 hours.

Alternatively, prednisolone sodium phosphate ophthalmic ointment may be instilled into the conjunctival sac 3 or 4 times daily initially, and once or twice daily thereafter. The ointment also may be used at night in conjunction with daytime use of a suspension or solution to reduce the frequent applications required with the liquid dosage forms.

The lowest effective concentration should be used and, if improvement does not occur within several days, the drug should be discontinued and other therapy begun. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease and may range from a few days to several weeks; long-term therapy should be avoided. When the drug is discontinued, dosage should be gradually tapered to avoid exacerbation of the disease.

Chemistry and Stability

Chemistry

Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. Prednisolone acetate occurs as a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder and is practically insoluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. The sodium phosphate ester of prednisolone occurs as slightly hygroscopic, white or slightly yellow, friable granules or powder which is odorless or has a slight odor and is freely soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. The pH of prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension is 5-6. The pH of prednisolone sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution is 6.2-8.2.

Stability

Prednisolone sodium phosphate ophthalmic solution should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers and should be protected from freezing.

Additional Information

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.