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Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Pred-G? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

Peter Daggett

Large medication bottle with information icon and educational elements about drug uses

Pred-G (gentamicin/prednisolone) is a combination antibiotic-steroid eye drop. Learn what it treats, how to use it correctly, and what to watch out for in 2026.

Pred-G is a prescription ophthalmic (eye) medication that combines two active ingredients to simultaneously treat both bacterial infection and inflammation of the eye. It comes as eye drops (suspension) and as an ointment, and it's used for a range of conditions from post-surgical care to bacterial conjunctivitis. This guide covers everything you need to know about Pred-G: what it is, what it treats, how to use it, and what precautions to take.

What Is Pred-G?

Pred-G is the brand name for a combination of two medications:

  • Gentamicin sulfate 0.3% — an aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills certain bacteria by blocking their ability to make proteins
  • Prednisolone acetate 1% — a corticosteroid that reduces eye inflammation, redness, and swelling by suppressing the body's inflammatory response

It is manufactured by Allergan (an AbbVie company) and is available in two forms:

  • Pred-G Suspension: Eye drops, 0.3%/1%, 5 mL bottle
  • Pred-G S.O.P. Ointment: 0.3%/0.6%, 3.5 g tube

What Is Pred-G Used to Treat?

Pred-G is FDA-approved for steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions where there is a concurrent bacterial infection or significant risk of one. Common uses include:

  • Post-operative eye care: After cataract surgery and other ocular procedures to control inflammation and prevent infection
  • Uveitis: Inflammation of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, choroid)
  • Chemical and radiation burns of the eye: To reduce inflammation from injury
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis with inflammatory component: Pink eye caused by susceptible bacteria, especially when inflammation is significant
  • Keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis: Bacterial corneal inflammation
  • Blepharoconjunctivitis: Inflammation involving both the eyelids and conjunctiva

Pred-G Dosage: How Much and How Often?

Always follow your provider's specific dosing instructions. Standard dosing guidelines are:

  • Suspension (eye drops): 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 2–4 times daily. During the first 24–48 hours, your provider may increase the frequency to 1 drop every hour if needed.
  • Ointment (S.O.P.): A 1/2 inch ribbon applied to the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 1–3 times daily.

Prescriptions are typically written for a maximum of 20 mL of suspension or 8 g of ointment without re-evaluation. Your provider will need to reassess your eye before authorizing a refill.

How to Apply Pred-G Eye Drops Correctly

Proper application technique reduces the risk of contamination and ensures the medication reaches the right place:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bottle.
  2. Shake the bottle well before each use (the medication settles and requires mixing).
  3. Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  4. Hold the dropper directly above your eye and squeeze one drop into the pocket. Do NOT let the tip touch your eye, hands, or any surface.
  5. Close your eye and press gently on the inner corner (by your nose) for 1–2 minutes to help the medication absorb.
  6. Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye medications.

Who Should NOT Use Pred-G?

Pred-G is contraindicated in certain conditions. Do not use Pred-G if you have:

  • Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye (dendritic keratitis)
  • Vaccinia or varicella (chickenpox virus) infection of the eye
  • Fungal infection of the eye
  • Mycobacterial (tuberculosis-related) infection of the eye
  • Known allergy to gentamicin, prednisolone, or any ingredient in the formulation
  • Pred-G is not approved for use in patients under 18 years old

Is Pred-G a Controlled Substance?

No. Pred-G is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. There are no special restrictions on the number of refills or who can prescribe it based on controlled substance classification. It is, however, a prescription-only medication that requires a licensed prescriber's order.

Finding Pred-G at a Pharmacy

Pred-G can be difficult to find at large chain pharmacies. Once you have a prescription, use medfinder to find which pharmacies near you have it in stock, or ask your prescribing provider to recommend a local pharmacy that routinely stocks specialty ophthalmics.

For a detailed look at side effects and safety, see our Pred-G side effects guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pred-G (gentamicin/prednisolone ophthalmic) is used to treat steroid-responsive inflammatory eye conditions where bacterial infection is present or at risk. Common uses include post-cataract surgery care, uveitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, keratitis, and chemical or radiation eye burns.

The standard dosing for Pred-G suspension is 1 drop 2–4 times daily. During the first 24–48 hours, your doctor may recommend up to 1 drop every hour. For the ointment, apply a 1/2 inch ribbon 1–3 times daily. Always follow your prescriber's specific instructions.

Yes. Pred-G suspension must be shaken well before each use. The active ingredients settle over time, and failure to shake the bottle properly can result in receiving an inconsistent dose — either too little or too much of one of the active ingredients.

Pred-G may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis (bacterial pink eye) that has a significant inflammatory component. It should not be used for viral pink eye. Using a corticosteroid-containing eye drop for viral conjunctivitis can make the infection worse. Your doctor will determine whether Pred-G is appropriate for your type of eye infection.

The duration depends on your condition and your provider's instructions. Prescriptions are typically limited to a maximum of 20 mL (for the suspension) without re-evaluation. Short post-operative courses may last 1–4 weeks with a tapering schedule. Never use Pred-G longer than directed without a follow-up eye exam.

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