BLEPHAMIDE® ophthalmic ointment is indicated for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where superficial bacterial ocular infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists.Ocular corticosteroids are indicated in inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe where the inherent risk of corticosteroid use in certain infective conjunctivitides is accepted to obtain diminution in edema and inflammation.

They are also indicated in chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns or penetration of foreign bodies.The use of a combination drug with an anti-infective component is indicated where the risk of superficial ocular infection is high or where there is an expectation that potentially dangerous numbers of bacteria will be present in the eye.The particular antibacterial drug in this product is active against the following common bacterial eye pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.The product does not provide adequate coverage against: Neisseria species, Pseudomonas species, and Serratia marcescens.A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.

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Corneal Diseases -- Diseases of the cornea.

Infective conjunctivitis --

Edema -- Abnormal fluid accumulation in TISSUES or body cavities. Most cases of edema are present under the SKIN in SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE.

Inflammation -- A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.

Superficial Infection --

Eye Infections -- Infection, moderate to severe, caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, which occurs either on the external surface of the eye or intraocularly with probable inflammation, visual impairment, or blindness.

BLEPHAMIDE® ophthalmic ointment is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures.This product is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this preparation, to other sulfonamides and to other corticosteroids.

See WARNINGS.

(Hypersensitivity to the antimicrobial component occurs at a higher rate than for other components.)

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Virus Diseases -- A general term for diseases produced by viruses.

Corneal Diseases -- Diseases of the cornea.

Dendritic keratitis -- A form of herpetic keratitis characterized by the formation of small vesicles which break down and coalesce to form recurring dendritic ulcers, characteristically irregular, linear, branching, and ending in knoblike extremities. (Dictionary of Visual Science, 3d ed)

Vaccinia -- The cutaneous and occasional systemic reactions associated with vaccination using smallpox (variola) vaccine.

Chickenpox -- A highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (HERPESVIRUS 3, HUMAN). It usually affects children, is spread by direct contact or respiratory route via droplet nuclei, and is characterized by the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of successive crops of typical pruritic vesicular lesions that are easily broken and become scabbed. Chickenpox is relatively benign in children, but may be complicated by pneumonia and encephalitis in adults. (From Dorland, 27th ed)

Mycobacterium Infections -- Infections with bacteria of the genus MYCOBACTERIUM.

Mycoses -- disease caused by a fungus.

Hypersensitivity -- Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen.

NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE.Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in ocular hypertension/glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and in posterior subcapsular cataract formation.Acute anterior uveitis may occur in susceptible individuals, primarily Blacks.Prolonged use of BLEPHAMIDE® ophthalmic ointment may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections.

In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforation has been known to occur with the use of topical corticosteroids.

In acute purulent conditions of the eye, corticosteroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection.If the product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be routinely monitored even though it may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients.

Corticosteroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma.

Intraocular pressure should be checked frequently.A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfonamides.The use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of filtering blebs.The use of ocular corticosteroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex).

Employment of corticosteroid medication in the treatment of herpes simplex requires great caution.Topical steroids are not effective in mustard gas keratitis and Sjögren's keratoconjunctivitis.Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, due to severe reactions to sulfonamides including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia and other blood dyscrasias.

Sensitization may recur when asulfonamide is readministered, irrespective of the route of administration.If signs of hypersensitivity or other serious reaction occur, discontinue use of this preparation.

Cross-sensitivity among corticosteroids has been demonstrated (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).