Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension) 1% is a potent topical corticosteroid specifically formulated for the management of severe inflammatory conditions of the eye. As a trusted ophthalmic solution, it delivers targeted anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action directly to the site of inflammation, providing rapid symptomatic relief and addressing underlying pathological processes. Its micronized suspension ensures optimal drug delivery and bioavailability, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of sight-threatening ocular inflammation under expert supervision.

Features

• Contains 1% prednisolone acetate, a highly potent corticosteroid
• Micronized suspension for enhanced corneal penetration and bioavailability
• Preservative-free formulation available for sensitive patients
• Sterile ophthalmic suspension with pH balanced for ocular comfort
• Available in 5mL and 10mL dropper bottles for precise dosing
• White, uniform suspension that resists settling during administration

Benefits

• Rapidly reduces ocular inflammation, pain, and photophobia within hours of administration
• Prevents sight-threatening complications from uncontrolled inflammation, including synechiae formation and glaucoma
• Minimizes corneal scarring and vascularization in inflammatory conditions
• Effectively manages postoperative inflammation following ocular surgery
• Provides targeted therapy with minimal systemic absorption when used appropriately
• Flexible dosing regimen allows for titration based on severity and clinical response

Common use

Pred Forte is indicated for the treatment of steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe. Its primary applications include severe allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis, anterior uveitis, and postoperative inflammation following cataract extraction and other ocular surgeries. It is particularly valuable in managing chemical and thermal burns to the eye where controlling inflammation is critical for preserving vision. Ophthalmologists frequently prescribe Pred Forte for flare-ups of chronic inflammatory conditions such as herpes zoster ophthalmicus and sympathetic ophthalmia.

Dosage and direction

The dosage of Pred Forte must be individualized based on the severity of inflammation and clinical response. For severe inflammation: Instill 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac every hour during waking hours for the first 24-48 hours, then reduce to 1 drop every 2 hours while awake. For moderate inflammation: 1-2 drops 4-6 times daily. Shake the bottle vigorously for 5-10 seconds before each use to ensure uniform suspension. To administer, tilt the head backward, pull the lower eyelid downward to form a pouch, instill the drops, and close the eyes gently for 1-2 minutes. Apply light pressure to the lacrimal sac for 1 minute to minimize systemic absorption. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to avoid contamination.

Precautions

Pred Forte requires careful monitoring by an ophthalmologist due to the risk of serious ocular complications. Intraocular pressure should be measured every 2-4 weeks during treatment, as corticosteroids can elevate IOP significantly, particularly in steroid responders. Slit-lamp examination should be performed regularly to monitor for cataract formation, secondary fungal or viral infections, and corneal perforation in patients with thin corneas. Use with extreme caution in patients with glaucoma, ocular herpes simplex, and non-purulent infections. Contact lens wear should be avoided during treatment. Pediatric patients may demonstrate increased susceptibility to systemic absorption and adrenal suppression with prolonged use.

Contraindications

Pred Forte is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella. Additional contraindications include mycobacterial and fungal infections of the eye, untreated purulent ocular infections, and known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation. It should not be used following uncomplicated removal of a superficial corneal foreign body where no inflammation is present.

Possible side effect

Common ocular side effects include transient burning or stinging upon instillation (15-25% of patients), blurred vision, and mild conjunctival hyperemia. More serious adverse effects include elevated intraocular pressure (occurring in up to 30% of patients after 4-6 weeks of use), posterior subcapsular cataract formation with prolonged therapy, delayed wound healing, and corneal thinning. Rare but serious complications include ocular perforation, secondary bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, and exacerbation of pre-existing herpetic keratitis. Systemic absorption may rarely cause adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, and Cushing’s syndrome with prolonged use.

Drug interaction

Concurrent use with other corticosteroid preparations (oral, inhaled, or topical) may increase the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects. Patients using medications that affect intraocular pressure (such as anticholinergics, sympathomimetics, or certain antidepressants) require closer monitoring. The anti-inflammatory effects may be reduced when used with CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, phenytoin, or carbamazepine. Caution is advised when administering with other ophthalmic medications; allow at least 5-10 minutes between instillations of different eye drops to prevent washout and ensure proper absorption.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Maintain as consistent a dosing schedule as possible to ensure stable therapeutic levels. Patients should be educated on the importance of adherence, particularly during the initial intensive treatment phase for severe inflammation.

Overdose

Topical ocular overdose is unlikely to cause serious systemic effects due to limited absorption. However, excessive application may increase local adverse effects including severe burning, blurred vision, and significant elevation of intraocular pressure. If accidental ingestion occurs, gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if within 1-2 hours of ingestion, though systemic effects are unlikely due to low bioavailability. Symptomatic and supportive care should be provided. In case of ocular overdose, rinse the eye thoroughly with sterile saline or water and monitor for signs of increased intraocular pressure.

Storage

Store Pred Forte at controlled room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F). Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Protect from light and excessive moisture. The suspension may separate during storage; shake vigorously before each use to resuspend the medication. Discard any unused medication 28 days after opening the bottle to prevent contamination and ensure potency. Do not use if the solution appears discolored or contains particles.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pred Forte is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified ophthalmologist. The prescribing physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Individual response to therapy may vary, and not all patients will experience the same results or side effects. Proper diagnosis and monitoring are essential for safe and effective use.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate Pred Forte’s efficacy in managing severe ocular inflammation, with 85% of patients showing significant improvement in anterior chamber inflammation within 7 days of treatment. Ophthalmologists consistently report excellent control of postoperative inflammation, with one study showing 92% of cataract surgery patients achieving complete resolution of inflammation by postoperative day 14. Patients describe rapid relief of pain and photophobia, though some note temporary blurred vision following instillation. The medication receives high marks from specialists for its potency and reliability in managing challenging inflammatory conditions, though practitioners emphasize the critical importance of regular monitoring for side effects.