How do you take Prednisolone Acetate?

Shake the bottle well before each use. Put 1-2 drops into the affected eye(s) 2 to 4 times daily, or as your doctor prescribes. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and drop the medicine inside. After putting the drop in, close your eye gently and press the corner near your nose for about 1 minute to stop the medicine from draining away. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

What are the side effects of Prednisolone Acetate?

Mild stinging or burning sensation when you first put the drops in, slightly blurred vision for a few minutes after use, increased sensitivity to light, watery eyes

Who should not take Prednisolone Acetate?

People with fungal, viral (like herpes), or untreated bacterial eye infections should not use this medicine. Do not use if you are allergic to prednisolone or any ingredient in the drops. People with glaucoma or a history of high eye pressure should use it only under close medical supervision.

Prescription

Corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory steroid eye drop)

Prednisolone Acetate

Q: What is Prednisolone Acetate used for?

Eye inflammation after surgery, allergic eye reactions, eye injuries, uveitis (swelling inside the eye), conjunctivitis caused by allergies

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Prednisolone Acetate is a steroid eye drop that reduces swelling, redness, and irritation in the eyes by calming down your body's immune response in that area.

What is it used for?

Eye inflammation after surgeryallergic eye reactionseye injuriesuveitis (swelling inside the eye)conjunctivitis caused by allergies

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Eye Conditions Anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)

How it works

Binds to glucocorticoid receptors in ocular tissues, suppressing inflammatory gene transcription and reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and mediators that drive ocular inflammation and immune cell infiltration.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Do not buy eye drops from roadside vendors or open markets — contaminated eye products can cause serious infections and even blindness. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice, as your eye condition may come back worse. Do not share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as this can spread infection.

Common Side Effects

Mild stinging or burning sensation when you first put the drops in
slightly blurred vision for a few minutes after use
increased sensitivity to light
watery eyes

Serious Side Effects

If you notice changes in your vision
severe eye pain
or signs of eye infection like thick discharge or increased redness that gets worse
stop using the drops and see a doctor immediately. Long-term use can increase eye pressure (which may lead to glaucoma) or cause cataracts — your doctor should monitor this.

Drug Interactions

If you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each one so they do not wash each other out. Tell your doctor if you are using other steroid medicines (tablets or injections) as combining them can increase side effects. Avoid using with eye drops that contain NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drops like diclofenac eye drops) unless your doctor says so.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Prednisolone Acetate eye drops — steroid medicines can potentially affect your baby, so your doctor needs to weigh the benefits against the risks.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with fungal
viral (like herpes)
or untreated bacterial eye infections should not use this medicine. Do not use if you are allergic to prednisolone or any ingredient in the drops. People with glaucoma or a history of high eye pressure should use it only under close medical supervision.

How to Store

Store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it on windowsills or inside hot cars. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store out of reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date or more than 28 days after opening.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.