Minims* Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate 0.5% w/v
About Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
The name of your medicine is Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate. Each Minims unit contains the active ingredient Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate in a concentration of 0.5% w/v. The other ingredients are purified water, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium edetate and sodium hydroxide. One Minims unit is the term applied to the plastic cap and body contained in one sachet. Every Minims unit is a sterile, single use eye drop containing approximately 0.5ml of solution. Each carton contains 20 units. Prednisolone is a type of corticosteroid which is used to reduce inflammation within the eye.
Who Makes It?
Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate are manufactured by
The Marketing Authorisations for Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate (PL 0033/0091 and PA 118/27/1) are held by
What is Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate For?
Sometimes part of the eye may become inflamed (red and painful). The part of the eye affected will vary depending on the cause of the inflammation. Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate eye drops can be used to treat inflammation in the eye which is not caused by infection. Your doctor may sometimes prescribe other drugs at the same time as Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate to make sure that the inflammation is treated effectively.
Before Using Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
You should not use Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the section "About Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate" above.
- You have glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye) or are at risk of developing it. Your doctor will have checked for this.
- You have an eye infection.
If any of the above apply to you then inform your doctor or eye specialist before starting treatment.
If you are pregnant (or if you think that you might be pregnant) or if you are breastfeeding you should tell your doctor or eye specialist before Minims Prednisolone is used. It is possible that you will still receive it, but it is also possible that an alternative may be used.
In children, continuous, long term use of corticosteroid eye drops should be avoided.
Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate May React With Other Drugs
Corticosteroids are known to increase the effects of barbiturates (used to help you sleep or to treat epilepsy), sedative hypnotics (used to help you sleep or to relieve anxiety) and tricyclic antidepressants (used to treat depression).
Corticosteroids are known to decrease the effects of anticholinesterases (used for the treatment of myasthenia gravis), antiviral eye preparations and salicylates (e.g. aspirin).
Using Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
In adults the usual dose of Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate is one to two drops in one or both eyes as required. More detailed instructions will be given to you by your Doctor or Pharmacist. Make sure you follow these instructions carefully. In children, the dose will vary according to age and size.
If you are putting in your own eye drops then follow these instructions closely.
- 1. Wash hands thoroughly, then peel the overwrap apart and take out the Minims unit.
- 2. Twist off the cap.
- 3. Look upwards and gently pull down the lower eyelid.
- 4. Hold the Minims unit just above your eye and gently squeeze until a drop of liquid falls into the gap between your eyeball and lower eyelid.
- 5. Release the lower eyelid and then press gently on the inner corner of your eye for a minute or so. This will help stop the solution draining away into your nose and throat.
- 6. Throw away the rest of the Minims unit when you have finished, even if some solution remains.
It is very unlikely that you will suffer an overdose if you follow all the instructions carefully. If you do suddenly feel unwell after using these eye drops, contact your doctor or the nearest casualty department immediately.
If you forget to use a dose of Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate, use it as soon as you remember and then go on as before.
After Using Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
Most people who are treated with these eye drops do not suffer from any unwanted side effects.
Long term, frequent use of corticosteroids can lead to formation of cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye). Consult your doctor if you become aware of any changes in your eyesight.
It is possible that some of the solution may be absorbed into the general circulation of the body following administration to the eye. It is unlikely, however, that this will have any unwanted effect on the body because so little of the eye drop is absorbed through the eye. The action of pressing on the inner part of the eye when adding the drops will also help to reduce this absorption even further.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any unwanted effects which are not already mentioned in this leaflet when using this eye drop.
Storing Your Medicine
- The expiry date is printed on each unit and printed on the carton. Do not use your medicine after this date.
- Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate should be stored below 25°C and protected from strong light. Do not freeze.
- The Minims unit should be discarded immediately after use, even if some solution remains.
Remember this medicine is only for you. Never give it to anybody else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
This leaflet applies only to Minims Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate, but it does not contain all the information known about it. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Date of Preparation: February 2002
Date of Partial Revision: August 2002
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