Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Suspension, USP, 1%

Prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension is an adrenocortical steroid product prepared as sterile ophthalmic suspension. The active ingredient is represented by the chemical structure:

Established name: Prednisolone Acetate

Chemical name: Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 21-(acetyloxy)-11,17-dihydroxy-,(11β)-.

Each mL contains: Active: prednisolone acetate 1.0%. Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.01%. Vehicle: hypromellose. Inactives:citric acid (to adjust pH), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, glycerin, polysorbate 80, purified water, sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH).

Corticosteroids inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and probably delay or slow healing. They inhibit the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation. There is no generally accepted explanation for the mechanism of action of ocular corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.

Corticosteroids are capable of producing a rise in intraocular pressure.

Steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe, such as allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, selected infective conjunctivitides, when the inherent hazard of steroid use is accepted to obtain an advisable diminution in edema and inflammation; corneal injury from chemical, radiation, or thermal burns, or penetration of foreign bodies.

Prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. Prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation and to other corticosteroids.

FOR TOPICAL OPHTHALMIC USE. Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Prolonged use may also suppress the host immune response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. Various ocular diseases and long-term use of topical corticosteroids have been known to cause corneal and scleral thinning. Use of topical corticosteroids in the presence of thin corneal or scleral tissue may lead to perforation. Acute purulent infections of the eye may be masked or activity enhanced by the presence of corticosteroid medication. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure (IOP) should be routinely monitored even though it may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients. Steroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma. IOP should be checked frequently.

The use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation.

Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex). Employment of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution; frequent slit lamp microscopy is recommended. Corticosteroids are not effective in mustard gas keratitis and Sjogren's keratoconjunctivitis.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Adverse reactions include, in decreasing order of frequency, elevation of IOP with possible development of glaucoma and infrequent optic nerve damage, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, and delayed wound healing.

Although systemic effects are extremely uncommon, there have been rare occurrences of systemic hypercorticoidism after use of topical steroids.

Corticosteroid-containing preparations have also been reported to cause acute anterior uveitis and perforation of the globe. Keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, mydriasis, conjunctival hyperemia, loss of accommodation and ptosis have occasionally been reported following local use of corticosteroids.

The development of secondary ocular infection (bacterial, fungal and viral) has occurred. Fungal and viral infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term applications of steroid. The possibility of fungal invasion should be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where steroid treatment has been used (see WARNINGS).

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with prednisolone use: Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur after very frequent use of ophthalmic prednisolone, particularly in very young children.

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. Two drops topically in the affected eye(s) four times daily. In cases of bacterial infections, concomitant use of anti-infective agents is mandatory. Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after two days, the patient should be reevaluated (see PRECAUTIONS).

The dosing of prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension may be reduced, but care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. In chronic conditions, withdrawal of treatment should be carried out by gradually decreasing the frequency of applications.

Prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension is supplied in a white, round low density polyethylene dispenser with a natural low density polyethylene dispensing plug and pink polypropylene cap. Tamper evidence is provided with a shrink band around the closure and neck area of the package.

Prednisolone Acetate Suspension, USP, 1%:

1. 5 mL NDC 61314-637-05
2. 10 mL NDC 61314-637-10
3. 15 mL NDC 61314-637-15

STORAGE:Store at 8°C to 24°C (46°F to 75°F) in an UPRIGHT position. After opening, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension can be used until the expiration date on the bottle.

Rx Only

Distributed by
Sandoz Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08540

T2022-18

May 2022

300057528-US

NDC61314-637-05

prednisoLONE

Acetate

Ophthalmic

Suspension, USP

1%

Rx only

STERILE
5 mL

SANDOZ
carton