Chemical Name: SULFACETAMIDE (sul-fa-SEE-ta-mide) and PREDNISOLONE (pred-NISS-oh-lone)
Common uses
Ak-Cide is an antibacterial and steroid combination used in the eye to treat infections and to relieve the redness, irritation, and discomfort associated with certain eye problems.
Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the
effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Ak-Cide if you have certain eye infections or thinning of the cornea in the eye. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Ak-Cide.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Ak-Cide. Shake well before using a dose. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent germs from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. It is best to keep Ak-Cide away from heat and light, at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. In order to completely clear up your infection, continue using Ak-Cide for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Ak-Cide. Should you skip or forget a dose of Ak-Cide, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule.
Warnings
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to Ak-Cide or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your physician or pharmacist before using Ak-Cide. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Ak-Cide or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your physician or pharmacist. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days and consult your physician if they worsen. Do not use Ak-Cide more often or for a longer time than recommended by your physician. Do not use Ak-Cide for future eye problems unless directed by your physician. Do not use Ak-Cide if it turns brown in color or contains particles. It is usually recommended that you do not wear contact lenses while using Ak-Cide. Check with your physician before wearing them. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Ak-Cide during pregnancy. Ak-Cide is excreted in breast milk do not breast-feed while taking Ak-Cide.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include burning or stinging when you first put the medicine in your eye. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience continued redness, burning, or itching; eye pain; or changes in vision. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Ak-Cide may be harmful if swallowed.
Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Ak-Cide. Do not take Ak-Cide to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Ak-Cide for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
