Pred-G

Pred-G is a prescription medication used to treat steroid-responsive inflammation of several different parts of the eye as well as treat and prevent eye infections caused by certian susceptible bacteria.

It is a single product containing 2 medications: prednisolone and gentamicin. Prednisolone belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. These work by reducing your body's capability to produce certain chemicals that play a role in inflammation. Gentamicin belongs to a class of antibacterial medications called aminoglycosides. These work by preventing bacteria from being able to make proteins they need to replicate and survive.

This medication comes in two forms: an eyedrop form, which is typically administered 2 to 4 times daily, and an eye ointment form, which is typically applied 1 to 3 times per day.

Common side effects of Pred-G include eye discomfort, increased eye blood pressure, and cataract formation.

Pred-G is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat eye infections caused by susceptible bacteria as well as to treat steroid-responsive inflammation of several different parts of the eye including the conjunctiva (the thin inner lining of the eyelid and outer coating of the eyeball), the cornea, and the front part of the inner eyeball.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose and/or dosage form your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your age

The recommended dose of Pred-G for the prevention and treatment of eye infections caused by susceptible bacteria and/or the treatment of steroid-responsive inflammation of the eye is one drop administered into the conjunctival sac two to four times daily for the eyedrop form and a 1/2 inch ribbon applied into the conjunctival sac one to three times per day for the ointment form. 

Serious side effects have been reported with Pred-G including the following:

• Glaucoma. Prolonged use of Pred-G may result in glaucoma, damage to certain nerves in the eye, defects in visual ability and fields of vision, and possibly cataract formation. Prolonged use may also suppress the immune system and increase the risk of eye infections. Only use Pred-G for as long as your physician tells you to.
• Thinning of eye tissue. Long-term use of Pred-G has been known to cause thinning of eye tissues. Only use Pred-G for as long as your physician tells you to.
• Delayed wound healing. The use of Pred-G after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the risk of post-surgical complications. Inform your physician if you have recently had cataract surgery.
• Reduced immune system function. Use of Pred-G may prolong the course of, and potentially exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye, including herpes simplex. Inform your physician if you have a viral or fungal eye infection.
• Eye infections. This product is sterile when packaged. To prevent contamination, care should be taken to avoid touching the bottle tip to eyelids or to any other surface. The use of this bottle by more than one person may spread infection. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use.

If inflammation or pain persists longer than 48 hours or your eye becomes aggravated, discontinue use of Pred-G and consult your physician.

Do not take Pred-G if you:

• Are allergic to Pred-G or to any of its ingredients
• Have or suspect you might have an viral or fungal eye infection

Serious side effects have been reported with Pred-G. See the “Pred-G Precautions” section.

Common side effects of Pred-G include the following:

• elevated eye blood pressure
• eye redness
• temporary eye burning and stinging upon administration
• eye irritation
• cataract formation
• delayed wound healing

This is not a complete list of Pred-G side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• bromfenac eyedrops
• phenylephrine eyedrops
• nepafenac eyedrops
• suprofen eyedrops
• diclofenac eyedrops
• flurbiprofen eyedrops
• ketorolac eyedrops

This is not a complete list of Pred-G drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Pred-G falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if Pred-G crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Pred-G.