now i'm scared

Posted by scill on August 05, 1999 at 20:54:54
one week ago i got a bug bite near the inside corner of my eye(i was at work).  it swelled, was red and hot.  took benedryl 25, went home, took a couple more benedryl and thought it would be better in the morning. it wasn't, but i figured by sunday all would be fine.  not so. went to the er 'cause the swelling was now spread over my nose, into my eyebrow and below my cheek, and over part of my left eye. the er dr. gave me an iv with methyl prednisone and zantac and something else i can't remember and a 'script for oral prednisone and zantac.  the swelling and redness were disappearing but i had a few reactions to the prednisone - sleeplessness, shakes, loss of appetite, moodiness and photophobia.  was in contact with the department in charge of employees, and the md in charge suggested i stop the meds.  everything was going along great,  but i was still photo sensitive.  today, one week after the bite the photophobia became worse and i was sent to an eye md on staff who diagnosed conjunctivitis caused by photophobia and prescribed Pred Mild.  how will this effect my previous reaction to prednisone?  i truly am frightened and upset because of my previous reaction. now what - do i take the drops or not?  how will this affect the photophobia i already have?

Posted by HFHS MD-JL on August 06, 1999 at 12:31:36
Yes, take the drops.  The reaction you had to oral steroids is not uncommon.  Some people are very sensitive to this medication.  These effects are due to oral prednisolone which creates a much much higher blood level than you would have with a weak topical drop.  It is possible but unlikely that you would have a similar reaction.  Follow up with your doctor.
This information was provided for medical educational purposes only.
HFHS MD-JL